White Sands (Alamo: living in, costs, pine)

[pinusconus]

Could one of our local experts advise me about White Sands, aside from the Trinity Tour on April 11. Are there guided tours of the dunes or do visitors venture out on their own? I'm interested in hiking safely.

[Sarahsez]

Here's a national park service web site that might be useful. http://www.nps.gov/whsa/

I've never tried to go hiking there. We've always played in it like it was a huge sandbox. My kids love digging in the dirt and sliding down the dirt on our big round saucers.

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by pinusconus

Could one of our local experts advise me about White Sands, aside from the Trinity Tour on April 11. Are there guided tours of the dunes or do visitors venture out on their own? I'm interested in hiking safely.

There are Park Rangers there to assist and help you in your hiking questions. Its open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset and costs about $3.00 per person when i last checked. I especially like the view of Mount Sierra Blanca in the distance (12,0003 ft) and the Sacramento mountains covered with Pine trees and Douglas Fir trees and only 75 miles from the Mexican border.

[tito]

Originally Posted by pinusconus

Could one of our local experts advise me about White Sands, aside from the Trinity Tour on April 11. Are there guided tours of the dunes or do visitors venture out on their own? I'm interested in hiking safely.

I would never try to hike in those immense open areas, one feels like an ant in a big beach.

[Greenchili]

I remember when we were living in Alamo, we heard of a hiker that got
lost out there. It all turns into a white blur if you go out too far I think.
They did find him tho. But, I think I would just stick to the sunset
strolls and stay on the paths etc. Its neat out there!

Greenchili

[pinusconus]

Thanks for the info and advise. I somehow had the impression there were hiking trails. However, I do enjoy playing and the sand and sliding on the dunes sounds fun!!

[6 FOOT 3]

Originally Posted by pinusconus

Thanks for the info and advise. I somehow had the impression there were hiking trails. However, I do enjoy playing and the sand and sliding on the dunes sounds fun!!

Actually the Dunes constantly shift over their 275 square miles and foot prints would disappear quickly especially with it windy. Again the Park Rangers will tell you the Do's and Dont's....

[pinusconus]

Wow on those White Sands dunes!!!! Certainly no comparison between them and the dunes of old Cape Cod.

[Sarahsez]

I found this on the trails. http://www.nps.gov/archive/whsa/trails.htm There are a few hiking trails. It looks like you can also get a ranger guided tour of Lake Lucero with a small hike once a month.

[pinusconus]

Originally Posted by Sarahsez

I found this on the trails. http://www.nps.gov/archive/whsa/trails.htm There are a few hiking trails. It looks like you can also get a ranger guided tour of Lake Lucero with a small hike once a month.

Excellent and thank you. I checked out the link and see that there is at least one trail open. I've been wanting to see White Sands for years and years.