White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

New Mexico , USA

White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Active

(6 reviews)

2h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

NOTE: This walking/driving tour includes a 5-mile hike.

Experience rolling white dunes, mountain backdrops, and a hiking trail like no other with this self-guided driving and walking tour of White Sands National Park. Discover the secrets of this unique ecosystem and delve into its history as you hike the famous Alkali Flat trail through the dazzling dunes. Hear about prehistoric beasts, Apache warriors, and J. Robert Oppenheimer while you take in the park’s majestic scenery. This tour includes both a driving and a walking portion.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

If you’re looking for a short and sweet hike, this one’s for you. It’s only a mile long and suitable for the whole family! You can even bring dogs, as long as they’re leashed.

The Interdune Boardwalk is coming up soon! If you’d like to get up-close and personal with the massive white dunes without getting sand in your toes, take a relaxed stroll on this elevated boardwalk. It’s ADA-accessible and a quick, half-mile round trip!

Welcome to White Sands National Park! Home to one of the most unique and stunning landscapes found in the United States, this one-of-a-kind park is the crown jewel of the Land of Enchantment.

NOTE: The tour is over 14 miles long, with more than 45+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

We’re approaching the Alkali Flat Trail now, where our journey continues on foot. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water and sunscreen, since this hike takes about three hours.

The Backcountry Camping Loop Trail is moderately challenging, a 2-mile round trip

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

Please note that an entrance fee applies to visit White Sands National Park, and it is not included with this tour.

Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

⚠️ Important Note: The U.S. Government Shutdown has ended, but some National Park services, visitor centers and facilities may reopen in phases. Please check official park updates before visiting.

Meeting point

Begin from White Sands Visitor Center, 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, or listen from your phone speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported yet.
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

Please note that an entrance fee applies to visit White Sands National Park, and it is not included with this tour.

⚠️ Important Note:
The U.S. Government Shutdown has ended, but some National Park services, visitor centers and facilities may reopen in phases. Please check official park updates before visiting.

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.