The words “hiking trail” usually summon mental pictures of dirt paths leading into the woods. If you’re from New Mexico, the image you conjure might feature extra dust, shorter trees, and more open spaces. Even bearing that in mind, there’s one New Mexico hike that gives a whole new meaning to the term “open space.” Exploring the Alkali Flat Trail inside White Sands National Monument allows you see for miles.

Flickr/Samat Jain
There’s no other hiking destination like this anywhere else since, at 275-square miles and growing, this gypsum dunefield is the biggest in the world.
Flickr/Rob Pongsajapan
If the sight of undulating dunes with mountains peeking over the horizon isn’t enough to make you wonder if you’re still on this planet, then it’s probably sufficient to convince you that you’ve traveled far beyond the borders of the United States.
The Alkali Flat Trail is five miles, round trip. During this hike, you travel up and over the dunes, all the while surrounded by panoramic views.
Flickr/David Fulmer
It doesn’t take long before you find solitude along this trail – you may have it completely to yourself. Standing alone in the middle of a dunefield reminds us of how small we all are - it’s a humbling experience.
Tripadvisor/Peter C.

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As you plough across the sand, gaze up at the San Andres Mountains.
Flickr/Rob Pongsajapan
It’s surreal to see such solid and permanent mountains close to the ever-rippling dunes.
Flickr/Alyson Hurt
The trail takes you to the edge of Alkali Flat. During the last Ice Age, this area - known as Lake Otero - was filled with water. At 1600 square miles, this was a vast lake and, as it dried up, the gypsum crystals that eventually formed the dunes were created.
Flickr/Alyson Hurt
As you survey the Alkali Flat, try to imagine the mammoths, camels, and bison that once crossed the dunes. We know this from fossilized footprints discovered here.
Although this is a day hike, the trail is pretty tiring because you’re walking on nothing but sand.
Flickr/David Fulmer

Hiking across dunes is an experience like no other. As a result, it also poses unique risks. Bring plenty of water, slather on that sunscreen and protect yourself with a hat and sunglasses. To avoid the worst of the heat, arrive early or late in the day.

While hiking, make sure you can spot the next plastic post marking the route, before leaving the one you are currently at – the staff at the monument recommend taking a fully charged cell phone with you as well. An active missile site is next to the national monument – avoid touching any unfamiliar metal if you encounter it!

Leashed pets are allowed on the Alkali Flat Trail.

White Sands National Monument is 15 miles from Alamogordo. For a map and more information, visit the national monument’s website.

Have you completed this unique hike? It certainly takes you through some breathtaking scenery. Check out these other New Mexico trails with unforgettable final destinations.

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