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ALKALAI FLATS
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| LOCATION:
South Central New Mexico |
| HIKE
STARTS: Dunes Drive |
| HIKE ENDS:
Dunes Drive |
| TOTAL
DISTANCE: 4.6 Miles |
| HIKE TYPE:
Roundtrip, Loop Hike |
| HIKE
DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate |
| TRAILS
USED: Alkalai Flats Trail |
| TRAIL
TRAFFIC: Light to Moderate |
| TRIP TYPE:
Day Hike |
| MANAGEMENT:
White Sands NP |
HIGHLIGHTS: There is no car
camping at White Sands National Monument. However, the park does have primitive
backcountry campsites for backpackers wishing to enjoy a night on the white
sands. The backcountry campsites, located about one mile from the scenic drive,
are reached from a trailhead on the drive six miles from the visitor center. The
campsites are primitive with no water or toilet facilities. No ground fires are
permitted at the campsite or anywhere else in the park. Backpackers must
register for campsites in person (no advance registration) at the Visitor Center
by one hour before sunset. The backcountry campsites are occasionally closed due
to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. Day hikers
might also try the Alkali Flat Trail which starts from the end of the Dunes
Drive. It is a 4.6 mile (round-trip) backcountry trail that traverses the heart
of the dunefield.
MORE DETAILS
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click to see trail photos from this hike:
July
28, 1996 |
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click to see a detailed trip summary:
July 28,
1996 |
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click to view a detailed trip report:
July 28, 1996*
(password required) |
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click to view maps: area map, detailed map,
park map, profile map* |
| note, the * indicates
these items are not linked but coming soon |
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