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White Sands NM, New Mexico

Looking for the best hiking in White Sands NM? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around White Sands NM. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near White Sands NM

  • White Sands NM, New Mexico

    Dune Life Nature Trail

    1.8 mi
    Started the hike at the Dune Life Nature trail parking area. Two rangers took us all on the trail . We walked up and down the dunes and some flat areas. We started out at sunset and the views of the sunset were beautiful. 30 minutes later we walked in the dark with light of the moon. The sand was...
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  • Tularosa, New Mexico

    Camp at White Sands National Monument

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 40 ft gain
    Spend a night under the stars in one of the more beautiful places to take it all in. White Sands National Monument offers camping to “backpackers” who have the ability to hike out into the dunes to set up camp for an overnight adventure. The closest site will be .75 miles away while the farthest ...
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  • Tularosa, New Mexico

    Hike the Alkali Flat Loop

    4.0
    4.9 mi / 52 ft gain
    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 de...
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  • Alamogordo, New Mexico

    Explore White Sands National Monument

    4.7
    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...
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  • Alamogordo, New Mexico

    Hike Oliver Lee State Park Dog Canyon

    0.7 mi / 101 ft gain
    This State Park is close to the city of Alamagordo , NM. It has a nice creek with water flowing during the rainy season. The Dog Canyon hike is hard but offers great views of the canyon and the canyon walls. Superb views of the Sacramento Mountains. The historic Ranch House can  be visited during...
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  • Alamogordo, New Mexico

    Hike Alamo Canyon Loop Trail

    -6.6 mi / 1205 ft gain
    Alamo Canyon Loop trail is a 6.6 miles loop  in the Lincoln National Forest. It is best to start the trail from the junction of TR 107 Roundup Ground trail and hike counter clock wise. There are spectacular views of the canyon and the Sacramento Mountains. There is great variety of desert flora a...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Pine Tree Trail Loop

    4.5
    4.29 mi / 1276 ft gain
    Park in the Parking area at the end of Aguirre Springs Loop. The trailhead is across the road. The trail will take you in a loop. Enjoy the diversity of plant life and the varied landscape. There are numerous interesting geological and ecological features in these foothills. 
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  • Aguirre Springs Road, New Mexico

    Hike the Baylor Pass Trail

    5.0
    6.9 mi / 1568 ft gain
    Moderate hike in the Organ Mountains Desert Peak National Monument in New Mexico. Very good views of the Organ Mountains , the Tularosa Basin and wildflowers in the summer and fall. Excellent place to see the Organ Mountains evening primrose
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Hike the Baylor Pass West Trail

    6.3 mi / 1548 ft gain
    Start your hike from the parking lot of Baylor Pass Road. The trail starts to climb gently first and then gradually the climb gets steeper, but nothing too difficult. There is nice desert vegetation along the trail and very good views of the Organ Mountains and valley below.
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Baylor Peak via Baylor Canyon Pass

    8.36 mi / 2772 ft gain
    Baylor Peak via Baylor Canyon Pass is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Las Cruces, New Mexico.
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  • Salado Canyon Trail, New Mexico

    Hike the Salado Canyon Trail

    3.4 mi / 307 ft gain
    Fairly easy trail on an old railroad bed. The trail is not steep and has nice scenery. The waterfall is sall but scenic, it is nice to see soe running water in the desert.
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  • 15595 Baylor Peak Road, New Mexico

    Hike the Rabbit Ear Plateau.

    5.0
    6 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Park at the small parking area of Baylor Peak rd. Start climbig up the mountain on a old jeep road. The trail becomes steeper the further up you go. Very good views of the Organ Mountains and the Mesilla Valley. Lots of wildflowers along the way in the summer and also cacti in bloom. Did not make...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Hike the Picacho Mountain

    3 mi / 1200 ft gain
    This is a somewhat strenuous hike up Picacho Mountain. The trail is 3 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1200 ft. Great views from the top and also many cacti species can be seen along the trail.
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Organ Needle from Baylor Canyon Road

    5.0
    7.67 mi / 3658 ft gain
    Organ Needle from Baylor Canyon Road is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity for scenic views located near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Keep in mind on the trail, there isn't much in terms of shade or coverage, so please pack accordingly and with sufficient water for the trail. There...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Organ Peak Trail

    5.0
    9.92 mi / 3458 ft gain
    Organ Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Las Cruces, New Mexico. This is one of the longer and more challenging hikes in the Organ Mountains. An early start is recommended to keep heat down during the warmer months as well trekking poles and p...
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  • Las Cruces, New Mexico

    Organ Needles Trail

    5.88 mi / 3333 ft gain
    The Organ Needles Trail in Las Cruces, New Mexico is a challenging hike that rewards with stunning views. This 5.88-mile round trip trail is rated as difficult, with a steep incline and rocky terrain. The trail begins at the Baylor Canyon Road trailhead and ascends to the Organ Needle Peak, the h...
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