White Sands National Park: Know Before You Go (Photography Tips, Sledding, Dogs, Hiking & More)

[@tdr9204]

Great tips. What time of year were you there? I saw you guys wearing everything from shorts to winter gear. You mentioned people can hike anywhere but NPS says to stay on the trails because as you mentioned, everything looks the same. People leave the trails and are getting lost. May be more of an issue in summer than other times of year.

[@derekandjonathan]

Thanks there!! We were in White Sands at the end of February/beginning of March. In the middle of the day it was warm in the sun, but as soon as that sun dipped over the horizon it got so chilly out there lol. As for staying on the trails, yes in the summer it can get pretty intense out in the midday sun, so staying on the "trail" is the safest choice. However, as long as you can see the trail markers/other people and have a sense of where you came from, you will be fine. Dunes without footprints are so much more visually appealing than the views from the trail, and you don't have to go too far off-trail to safely find them 😊 have fun!!