White Sands National Park · New Mexico

Backcountry Camping Loop Trail

1.7 mi of trail, end to end · Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail: 2 mi loop in the Service's write-up · 3,996 ft–4,002 ft · sand surface

3,996 ft 3,996 ft · 1.7 mi high 4,002 ft

Trailhead Backcountry Camping Loop Trail 3,996 ft Drive there

Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail 2 mi loop · the Park Service's write-up

2-3 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Dunes Drive

A pink sky at dusk over an interdune area
Dusk on Backcountry Camping Trail Photo: NPS

Explore the White Sands Backcountry to catch a view of gorgeous landscape with the stunning San Andres Mountains to the west. Along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, you're likely to see bleached earless lizards, towering soaptree yuccas, and the occasional white moth. This loop is also a good place to see a fiery White Sands sunset.

This is a 2 mile loop (3.2 kilometers) that is rated as moderate to strenous and climbs 40-50 foot (12-15 m) dunes throughout

This hike takes an average of 2-3 hours to complete

Follow the orange spade trail markers to complete the trail. If you're unable to see the next marker, turn around and go back to the trailhead.

Ranger Recommendations

Look carefully for the next trail marker before continuing. If you cannot see the next trail marker because of blowing sand or because the trail marker is knocked down, do not proceed—return to your car. Strong winds can reduce visibility to a few feet, making it easy to become lost.

Bring plenty of water for your family and pets. One gallon (4 Liters) of water per person per day is recommended, as well as high-energy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and energy bars. Fill up water containers at the visitor center. There is no water available in the dunefield.

This trail has very little shade. Use adequate sun protection.

Visit our Hiking Safety page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park

Accessibility This trail is not ADA accessible. This hike includes walking up and down sand dunes of up to fifty feet on loose gypsum sand. The park's only accessible trail is the Interdune Boardwalk .

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 6 trails in White Sands National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.