Alkali Flat Loop

Alkali Flat Trailhead
4.7
3 Reviews
Alkali Flat Loop
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Details

Distance
4.81 miles
Elevation Gain
82 ft
Route Type
Loop

Features

Family Friendly
Wildflowers
Dog Friendly
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Jared Blitz

Take in sweeping views of sandy flats interrupted by occasional shrubbery and wildflowers, and framed by the mountains in the background. 

From the US 70 pull into the White Sands Visitor Center. Then continue along Dunes Drive. Eventually, Dunes Drive turns into Loop Drive. At the end of this road, you will find the Alkali Flat trailhead. 

One of the most beautiful and potentially disorienting 5-mile round-trip treks through the desert you will experience, the Alkali Flat Trail leaves you following red trail markers with a black diamond through sandy flats and rolling, blindingly white dunes. You're also surrounded by a missile range, so watch out for unexploded exploded ordinances or other debris that may surface.

The National Park Services states the difficulty of the trail is strenuous. I think it depends on your fitness level and the time of day you begin your adventure. Since you're walking in deep sand, up and down hills, expect your hiking speed to slow down considerably. And since you're completely exposed to the sun you're at a greater risk of dehydration, which is trouble in an area where the shifting winds can knock down your trail markers. As such, I would label the trail moderate to strenuous because of the length in the sand, the sun exposure, and the number of hills you have to climb. Expect the hike to take you about 3 hours, 2 if your intent is to just pound through without regularly stopping to photograph the area.

There isn't any water on the trail.  Bring plenty with you, as well as snacks. It's easy to get disoriented, and heat illness isn't a joke. Trail markers regularly get buried or knocked down.  Always look ahead for the next marker before you move on.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Liz Claflin
12/13/2025
Bathrooms and plenty of parking at the trailhead. Look for trail markers so as to not get lost!
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
Easy To Park
Bathrooms
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Cara Holmes
7/8/2025
White Sands is otherworldly, and Alkali Flat Trailhead lets you explore the expansive dunes without fear of getting lost (theres lots of markers!). It ...
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
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Nick Garcia
12/9/2016
No Trail, No Problem
This was the first "Trail" our family has ever hiked that wasn't an actual trail. Simply follow the trail markers along the beautiful white ...
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