The Boardwalk of the Dunes hike is located at the Interdune Boardwalk parking lot at White Sands National Park. This man made boardwalk sits above the sand and is perfect for any skill or ability level.
Getting Started
The Boardwalk of the Dunes is located on Dunes Road just before the pavement ends and the sand begins. It is one of the earliest places that you can pull off and take a moment to get a closer look at the sand.
When you pull into the parking area, it will be easy to spot the walkway that will take you two-tenths of a mile out to the end. This walkway is handicap accessible and available to all skill and ability levels who want to see and learn a little bit more about the sand dunes.
Education
Spread out along the boardwalk are several educational info graphics that describe the plants and animals that are native and living in the area. The placards talk about grasses like the Alkali Sacaton and Little Blue Stem. Cacti like the Yucca. And even some animals like the Bleached Earless Lizard and the Little Whiptail. I have photos of some of the placards in the gallery below.
At about the halfway point of the boardwalk there is a small covered gazebo area. This spot gives protection from the sun as well as has several of the information cards. There are also some benches and it looks like they might even do some educational tours in this location.
Views
On top of the educational portion, the boardwalk also offers a wide variety of views along the way. Of course there is plenty of white sand and dunes. Plus most of the plants that are listed can be seen as well.
This isn’t an area like the Alkali Flats where you can feel lost and surrounded by the sand, but it gives a really good feel of what the area is like. It is kind of amazing to see all the different forms of life that survive in this desert of white sand.
The view from the end of the boardwalk of the dunes begins to show just how vast the area is. The sands stretch as far as the eye can see. Even though the trail is short there is still a lot to see. It is great that they have such an accessible trail in such an inaccessible terrain. I really enjoyed the short walk and the chance to learn more about the life that lives within the dunes.
Distance and Elevation
If you don’t have the AllTrails app you might want to check it out, I really love mine. It records your progress and is a great way to search for hikes that are nearby and gives you difficulty measurements. According to AllTrails today’s hike was around .43 miles and had a total elevation gain of about 0 feet including undulations. That put the high point at around 4,003 feet. I was also moving for a total of 11 minutes.
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Effort
This is a really easy walk across a boardwalk that is raised above the sand. There are rails to hold on to and the boardwalk is wide enough for a wheel chair. I think this is a great opportunity for any skill level to enjoy the outdoors and I am rating it as an easy hike.
Terrain
The metal boardwalk makes this terrain very easy to handle. The only concern is the exposure to the sun and elements. There is a small gazebo about halfway down the boardwalk to block the sun but as always make sure to wear sun and wind protection. Sunglasses would also be helpful since the sun reflects off of the white sands.
Access
The Boardwalk of the Dunes is located on the early parts of Dunes Road. The parking lot is right before Dunes Road goes from paved to sand. There is a $25/vehicle fee to enter White Sands National Park or you can use an annual pass or other entry passes. The parking lot is a wide circular flat spot of sand. There is room for about 20 cars and there is a pit toilet available at the trailhead.
Wrapping up the Boardwalk of the Dunes Hike
The Boardwalk of the Dunes hike is a great little hike with a ton of information on all of the animals and plants that thrive within the white sands eco-system. I love the fact that it is built above the sand, allowing people of skill and ability levels a chance to explore a little further into the dunes.
This one should be good for everyone, including those who require a wheelchair. Also, this is a great stop if you enjoy learning a bit more about a location or to take the kids to teach them a little before they go play in the sand. I am very glad to have stopped and taken this short walk at the park.
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