Playa Trail
Tularosa, New Mexico
Details
Distance
0.44 miles
Elevation Gain
46 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Chris Mongeau
The Playa Trail at White Sands National Monument is a surreal gypsum white sand desert surrounded by mountains.
The White Sands National Monument is one of the most surreal locations in the southwest. Located just north of Las Cruces, NM, White Sands is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Las Cruces. To access the park from any location, you'll take Route 70, and from Las Cruces it's one straight shot to the entrance.
The gypsum, white sand of the Tularosa Basin is unlike anything else in the world, and at 275 square miles, it's the worlds largest gypsum dune field. Once you enter the park on Dunes Drive, you can park at a few different turnouts and hike the Playa and Dune Life Nature Trail, or just wander into the desert for some isolation.
Within the dunes, there is a diverse and unique ecosystem of flora which are awesome to photograph. The best time I've found to visit is golden hour, a couple of hours before sunset. Because of the bright sun and white sand, it can be difficult to get a good exposure during daytime light, and the sunsets here are breathtaking to photograph.
During the summer, (May 24-September 5) visitors can stay in the park until 9:00PM, so a good time to visit is the end of August or early September if you want sunset into dusk photos. During the winter (January 1-February 20) visitors must exit before 6:00PM. Check the NPS website for complete hours and updates before you visit.
Bonus: You can sled down the dunes with saucers or any time of smooth-surfaced board, the gift shop rents out saucers and wax for under $10 and if you get a good running start, sledding down these dunes is a blast.
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Playa Trail Reviews
One of my favorite desert parks. I brought a friend from Germany once, and upon stepping out of the truck (tinted windows) he was amazed and the first thing out of his mouth was “It really is like snow!”
5.0
There are designated paths around the park, with markers sticking out of the sand to keep you on the right track. It is so nice to keep those in your mind and also roam around a bit to get away from the direct lines taken by so many. Absolutely stunning to photograph at sunset and sunrise. Really stunning spot.
4.0
I lived very close so I’ve been there a while, my advice, it gets very bright, so if you want to take photos go there WITHOUT sunglasses because if you go with them you won’t be able to take them off!
5.0
May through October the park offers Full Moon Night programs with live music and speakers and it is a great way to enjoy the beautiful park, but also learn a little about New Mexico. Bring layers as nights can be chilly!
5.0
It's pretty unbelievable what the Southwest has to offer, and the White Sands National Monument fits right in there with the best of the best the region has to offer. Who would have thought sand sledding would have been so much fun!
5.0
Sledding on the white sand dunes was one of my kids' favorite activities of all times! We had a blast exploring the park and spent a good while running up the hills so we could slide back down. http://currentlywandering.com/2014/05/20/white-sands-national-monument-new-mexico/
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Dune Life Nature Trail
Backcountry Camping Trail
Alkali Flat Loop
Dog Canyon Nature walk
Hike Alamo Canyon Loop Trail
Hike the Salado Canyon Trail
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