White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

New Mexico , USA

White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(5 reviews)

6h - 7h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Welcome to White Sands National Park, where endless waves of gypsum sand dunes create a surreal landscape unlike any other.

As your audio tour guide, I'll lead you through this mesmerizing wonderland of pristine white sands spanning over 275 square miles.

Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty as sunlight dances off the dunes, painting the landscape with ever-changing hues.

Hear tales of the resilient desert flora and fauna adapted to thrive in this harsh environment.

Capture breathtaking views against the backdrop of azure skies, and don't miss the opportunity to sled down the soft slopes, a favorite pastime for visitors of all ages.

Let the whispers of the sands and the timeless charm of this unique natural masterpiece captivate your senses. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at White Sands National Park.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Available options

White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Take the tour when you want

Tours NEVER expire

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS

Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)

Tour Start is Customizable

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Detailed itinerary

The visitor center is part of the White Sands Historic District, a group of adobe buildings constructed during the Great Depression that adheres to the Pueblo Revival style.

At the visitor center, you can visit the small museum, watch the park film, browse through two gift shops, and purchase sleds if you'd like to try sledding on the sand dunes.

This short and very easy trail takes you to a dried lakebed or a playa. Informational panels interpret what the playa looks like, and what kinds of animals it attracts, throughout the seasons. The trail is about a half-mile round trip and flat.

This one-mile loop takes about an hour and goes up and down the dunes through the interdunal area, or the transition zone between the desert scrubland and the sand dunes.

Because of a few steep climbs and the general difficulty of hiking through sand, this hike is rated as moderate. But the reward is walking through a unique ecosystem.

This is a must-stop for everyone. The Interdune Boardwalk is an ADA-accessible elevated path through the interdunal area.

If you're not able to try the Dune Life Nature Trail, this one's a great alternative. A couple of covered seating areas offer shade on this half-mile round-trip walk.

White Sands features a backcountry camping area, with remote campsites out among the dunes. However, the trail to the campsites is open to anyone.

It's a two-mile loop and rated moderate because of the difficulty of hiking up and down sand dunes.

However, this trail is a good alternative if you want to experience being out in the dunes without attempting the more difficult Alkali Flat trail.

Alkali Flat is the dried lakebed of the ancient Lake Otero, where the white sands are formed.

To reach the edge of the flat, hike this five-mile round-trip hike through the sand dunes.

Because of the length, and the continued challenge of hiking through sand, this is rated as a difficult hike.

What's not included

Park Entrance Fee

Parking Fees

Entrance Fees

Meals and Refreshments

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.

Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.

Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!

The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.

What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Meeting point

Route 54 south of Alamogordo, NM

Important notes

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the White Sands Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

1. Download the Shaka Guide App in the App Store or Google Play Store (or use the link at the bottom of this email)
2. Open the app and go to the support tab
3. Click Account Settings
4. Click Retrieve Purchases
5. Select Use Redeem Code (the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket, located under the barcode)
6. Sign up with your email ID
7. Enter the redeem code shared above in the message.

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

About New Mexico

New Mexico is a state in the southwestern United States known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. From the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe to the stunning natural beauty of its national parks, New Mexico offers a truly enchanting experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This national park is home to over 100 caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Nature Full day Moderate

Santa Fe Plaza

The historic heart of Santa Fe, this plaza is surrounded by adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

White Sands National Park

This unique park features vast dunes of white gypsum sand, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, potatoes, and green chiles, a staple of New Mexican cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Breakfast Burrito

A large burrito filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and often green or red chile.

Breakfast Contains eggs and cheese, can be made vegetarian

Posole

A traditional soup made with hominy, pork, and red or green chile.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Hot air ballooning Spa treatments Scenic drives Wine tasting Art gallery visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The landscapes are also at their most beautiful during these seasons.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

New Mexico is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur in urban areas. Exercise common sense and caution, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Albuquerque International Sunport • 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Albuquerque
Santa Fe Municipal Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Santa Fe

By train

Albuquerque Station, Lamy Station

By bus

Albuquerque Greyhound Station, Santa Fe Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable bus service with numerous routes throughout the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Albuquerque Canyon Road

Day trips

Taos

140 km (87 miles) from Santa Fe • Half day to full day

A charming town known for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and proximity to the Taos Ski Valley.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

290 km (180 miles) from Albuquerque • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and a rich cultural history.

Festivals

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta • Early October Santa Fe Indian Market • Late August

Pro tips

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque for a deeper understanding of Native American history and culture.
Explore the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the many galleries along Canyon Road.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Albuquerque for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Hike in the stunning landscapes of the Bandelier National Monument, featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and scenic trails.
Experience the unique geology and history of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including the famous Big Room and Bat Flight Program.