Alkali Flat Trail packing checklist | Camp Check [Skip to content](#content) [Camp Check](/) [Map](/)[About](/about) Show more details [← Back to map](/) · [Search spots](/#all) Trip details · Alkali Flat Trail # Alkali Flat Trail packing checklist * Activity**Day hike** * Park**White Sands National Park, NM** * Nearest**Mather Campground, 401 mi** A strenuous 5-mile out-and-back over steep gypsum dunes to the edge of the Alkali Flat, the dry bed of ice-age Lake Otero. There is no shade, no water and no trail you can see, only red marker posts, so heat, wind and getting lost are the real risks. ## Trip details Distance 5 mi round trip (2.5 mi each way) Elevation gain Repeated climbs over dunes about 60 ft high Difficulty Strenuous · about 3 hours Trailhead Alkali Flat Trail parking area near the end of Dunes Drive, 7 mi from the visitor center Trail markers Red posts with a diamond symbol Pets Allowed on a leash of 6 ft or less Best season Fall through early spring, starting in the morning (our pick) ### Source * [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) * [NPS White Sands: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) * [NPS White Sands: military testing closures](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/park-closures.htm) * [NPS White Sands: safety corridor in effect](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/safety-corridor-in-effect.htm) * [NPS White Sands: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm) "Our pick" seasons are our own call. ## Packing list Reset Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 16 ### Before you go * **Check conditions and test closures.** Look at [NPS White Sands: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) and [NPS White Sands: military testing closures](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/park-closures.htm) the day before and the morning you go. As of Oct 20, 2026, Dunes Drive is open with a no-stopping safety corridor from mile 3 to 5.5, and backcountry camping and the Interdune Boardwalk are closed. * **Plan your hours and pass.** Gates open at 7 a.m. and the park closes 30 minutes after sunset; it is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Entry is $25 per vehicle for 7 days, and NPS suggests buying or downloading your pass before you arrive because signal is limited. Oct 27, 2026 is a fee-free day. [NPS: hours](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm) · [NPS: fees](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm) * **Tell someone your plan.** NPS recommends not hiking alone. Tell someone who isn’t with you where you’re going and when you’ll be back. [NPS: leave a trip plan](https://www.nps.gov/articles/hiking-safety.htm) * **Know when to turn back.** Turn back if you can’t see the next marker, when half your water is gone, if it is 85°F or hotter, or if the light is fading before sunset. This list is a starting point, not a guarantee. Conditions change, so adjust it for your trip and your group. We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate) Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match. ### Trip-specific: permits and hazards 1. **Check for missile-test closures**White Sands Missile Range surrounds the park. During tests, Dunes Drive, the only road to this trailhead, can close to all traffic for up to 3 hours, sometimes with only 24 hours’ notice. US 70 toward Las Cruces can close too; call (575) 678-1178 for highway updates. Check the closures page the day before.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS White Sands: military testing closures](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/park-closures.htm) 2. **Heat: don’t start at 85°F or above**NPS recommends not starting this hike if it is 85°F (30°C) or warmer. There is no shade and no water on the trail, and heat illness can be fatal. Start in the morning, rest and drink when tired, and turn around when your water is half gone.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) 3. **Wind, blowing sand and getting lost**There is no worn path. Follow the red posts with a diamond symbol, and look for the next one before you move on. If wind knocks a post down or blowing sand hides the next one, NPS says do not go on: return to your car. Spring winds are the worst, but gusts can happen any time.Need itHave it ![BUFF Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91UHGB8ErwL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) BUFF Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter $23.00 on Amazon Pull it over your nose and mouth when wind lifts the sand; it is also UPF 50 sun cover for your neck. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QXCBLGP/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) 4. **Reflected sun off white sand**The white gypsum reflects sunlight, so you burn from below as well as above. NPS advises sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, long sleeves and pants even in summer.Need itHave it ![Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KsaIMGD7L._SL1000_.jpg) Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray (2-pack) $11.49 on Amazon White sand reflects the sun back up at you, so reapply often, including under your chin and nose. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXX9US/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) 5. **Don’t touch strange objects**Debris from missile tests sometimes lands in the park and gets buried by sand. If you see anything odd, do not touch it. Note where it is and tell a ranger.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) 6. **Safety corridor and closures on Dunes Drive**You can drive through miles 3 to 5.5 of Dunes Drive, but you may not stop, park or get out there, and the dunes south of the road in that stretch are closed to all foot traffic. The Interdune Boardwalk and all backcountry camping are closed, so this is a day hike only.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS White Sands: safety corridor in effect](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/safety-corridor-in-effect.htm) 7. **If you bring a dog**Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under physical control. Hot sand and no water are hard on dogs too, so bring water for them and skip warm days.Need itHave it ![Ruffwear Quencher Collapsible Dog Bowl](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7118o2bu8xL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Ruffwear Quencher Collapsible Dog Bowl $24.99 on Amazon There is no water in the dunes for your dog either. Pack extra and offer it often. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLB4CV6F/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) ### The Ten Essentials [(NPS)](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 1. **Water**NPS asks for at least two 1-liter bottles per person on every trail, and double for longer hikes. This is the park’s longest marked trail, so plan on about 4 liters (1 gallon) per person, and fill up at the visitor center first. There is no water in the dunes.Need itHave it ![Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71x9VbJrhvL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz $17.80 on Amazon NPS: at least two 1-liter bottles per person on every trail, double for longer hikes. Bring several. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N7V1QG/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) 2. **Food and extra food**NPS suggests high-energy snacks such as fruit and nuts. Eat when you rest; the dune climbs burn more than the mileage suggests.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. 3. **Navigation: offline map, map and compass**Download an offline map and mark the trailhead before you go, since cell signal is limited. NPS suggests a fully charged phone kept in airplane mode to save battery. Still, if you cannot see the next marker, turn back.Need itHave it ![Suunto A-10 Compass](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SgLIozPML._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Suunto A-10 Compass $24.00 on Amazon A backup for finding your way back to the trailhead if the marker posts disappear in blowing sand. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRB49PK/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 4. **Headlamp**Plan to be off the trail by sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after sunset. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.Need itHave it ![Petzl Tikka Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sDmxdaMIL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Petzl Tikka Headlamp $34.95 on Amazon Be off the trail by sunset, but carry a light in case a slow return runs into dusk. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDLSGR92/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS White Sands: operating hours](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm) 5. **Sun protection**No shade on the whole route. Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses along with sunscreen.Need itHave it ![Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat (UPF 50+)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71nSwoKNMCL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat (UPF 50+) $54.00 on Amazon No shade anywhere on this trail. A wide brim and neck cape cover what a cap misses. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVYH5FFT/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS White Sands: Alkali Flat Trail](https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/alkali-flat-trail.htm) 6. **Insulation and wind layer**NPS calls fall mild, but temperatures drop quickly once the sun is low, and the wind can make it feel colder.Need itHave it ![Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61UAwxBzgpL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece $45.50 on Amazon Fall days are mild, but the basin cools fast near sunset and the wind adds a chill. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076R6L58/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 7. **First aid kit**For blisters, scrapes and sprains, the most common trail problems.Need itHave it ![Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Tk3JSPj0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 $31.95 on Amazon For blisters from sand in your shoes, scrapes and sprains on steep dune faces. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6PDY9R/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 8. **Fire starter and emergency shelter**If you get lost or hurt, an emergency bivvy keeps you warm while you wait. Carry a lighter for emergencies only.Need itHave it ![SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xGw29aTYL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy $25.49 on Amazon If you get lost or hurt and have to wait for help, it holds in body heat on a cold desert night. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NC9BLQ5/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) 9. **Knife or repair kit**For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it ![Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sHi+R6qwL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife $16.80 on Amazon For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGYWTO/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 20, 2026, and may have changed. ## Photos ![Hikers crossing bright white gypsum dunes on the Alkali Flat Trail, with mountains on the horizon](/photos/alkali-flat-trail-1.webp) Photo: [Footwarrior](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alkali_Flats_Trail_White_Sands_National_Monument.jpg) (cropped) · [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) · Wikimedia Commons ![A hiker walking along a White Sands dune ridge at dusk](/photos/alkali-flat-trail-2.webp) Photo: [Matt Le](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minimal_hike_on_the_dunes_\(Unsplash\).jpg) · [CC0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) · Wikimedia Commons Coordinates **32.8205°N 106.2731°W** Park **White Sands National Park, NM** Time now **UTC --:--:--** [](/spots/mather-campground)[](/spots/bright-angel-trail)[](/spots/four-pass-loop)[](/spots/delicate-arch)[](/spots/devils-garden-campground)[](/spots/enchanted-rock)[](/spots/alkali-flat-trail) Use two fingers to move the map **Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price. **AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy. **Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others. [About](/about) · [Sitemap](/sitemap.xml)