Hiking
Interdune Boardwalk
0.4 mile / 0.6 km round-trip. a wheelchair-accessible nature trail.
Alkali Flat Trail
4.5 mile / 7.2 km round-trip. a backcountry trail through the heart of the dunes. this trail is marked by posts with orange tape on them and may be difficult to follow for inexperienced hikers.
Visitors are free to roam over any area within the park, but should avoid walking on the crypobiotic crusts of the inter-dune areas. Entering the White Sands Missle Range is not allowed, so be aware of your location. Marked trails include:
Playa Trail
0.2 mile / 0.3 km round-trip. a very short trail to a dried lakebed.
Big Dune Trail
1 mile / 1.6 km round-trip. a self-guided nature trail.
In addition, there is a monthly ranger-led hike to Lake Lucero located in the Missle Range. The cost is $3 per person, and the round-trip takes three hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 505 479-6124 or 505 679-2599. The tour schedule is posted online (http://www.nps.gov/whsa/L...), and is also available from the visitor center.
stargazing
During the summer and early Fall the park service has Friday Night Star Talks (http://www.nps.gov/whsa/a...) on most Fridays.
photography
Dune photography is best in the morning and evening when the sun is low on the horizon, producing interesting shadows on the dunes. Camera meters may be fooled by the white sand, so it is a good idea to meter slightly higher than what is reported by the light meter to avoid having the sands appear grey.
dune-sledding
Some of the dunes are tall and steep enough to provide a good ride on a plastic tobaggan or sled. While some visitors attempt sledding on everything from carboard boxes to garbage bags, you'll want to bring your own sled for the best experience.