Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead

The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area offers incredible sledding opportunities on White Sands National Park's gypsum dunes in the heart of the park. Incredible views of White Sands and the surrounding mountains greet you on the top of the tallest dunes accessible by the dunes drive. A twenty five minute drive, the Alkali Flat trailhead parking area is at the end of the 8 mile dunes drive. The parking lot is plowed into the dunes as provided plenty of parking for standard cars and oversized vehicles. Tall dunes line the parking lot and give plenty of excellent sledding locations. For a little more privacy, hike a few dunes in to have fresh sand to sled down. There is one vault toilet there are no shade structures present at Alkali Flat Trailhead parking area. Do note, the alkali flat area can be difficult hiking and has steeper dunes. This area is not suggested for young children. Sledding at White Sands still requires you to be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person is suggested) and sun protection. The visitor center is the only place in the park that has water available. Adult supervision of children is advised. Children ages 5 to 9 are most susceptible to injury. Parents of young children should not let them sled alone. Older children should be coached on how to check for hazards such as vegetation and other visitors on the dunes. Visitors can rent or purchase sleds at the White Sands Trading Post gift shop. They can also bring in their own sleds. For questions about sledding, please call (575) 479-6124.