Hike Dune Life Nature Trail, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Add to My List Check Off

he Dune Life Nature Trail is full of life! Being at the edge of the dunefield, this trail has unique characteristics that are not found in the heart of the dunes. This family-friendly trail is a great way to explore White Sands. Katie the Kit Fox, the Dune Life Nature Trail mascot, will join you along the trail in 14 trailside signs. Learn about the animals that live in the monument and what they like to eat. The Dune Life Nature Trail is an ecotone: a place where two communities meet and integrate. In this area, the desert scrub community and the gypsum sand dunes meet and form one of the most diverse ecosystems in the monument. While many animals live here, you may not see many of them on your hike. Wild animals are shy and try to avoid people, and most desert animals are nocturnal. Although they are rarely seen during the day, they leave signs of their presence in different forms, such as tracks in the sand. These tracks tell the stories of the previous night's activities in the dunes. Look for the tracks of the animals that call these dunes home: kit foxes, badgers, birds, coyotes, rodents, and reptiles all live in this area. Trail Description: Blue trail markers with a club symbol mark the trail. This trail is located along the edge of the dunefield and is more heavily vegetated than other sections of the dunefield. This moderate hike requires hikers to climb two steep dunes and walk on soft sand. The trail starts down on the desert plain and is level for the first 300 yards before going up a steep slope onto the sand dunes. Look carefully for the next trail marker before continuing. If you cannot see the next trail marker because of blowing sand or because the trail marker is knocked down, do not proceed—return to your car. Strong winds, especially in the spring, can reduce visibility to a few feet, making it easy to become lost.You do not have to hike the entire trail to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Make sure that you are off the trail by sunset. Keep in mind, this trail is for observing plant and animal life. If you want to play in the sand, please drive farther down Dunes Drive into the heart of the dunes where there are better dunes for sledding and picnic tables with shade. Distance from Visitor Center: 2.5 miles (4 km) Trail marker color: Blue Trail marker symbol: Clubs

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›