Last Updated on 7 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf
White Sands National Park is a vast expanse of cool, white gypsum sand that looks like a winter wonderland smack dab in the middle of New Mexico! If you plan to bring your pup to this unique park, you might be wondering where you can go.
White Sands National Park dogs can explore almost everywhere in the park!
- All trails
- In the backcountry
- Picnic areas
- Parking lots, overlooks, and roadways
White Sands is one of the most dog-friendly National Parks in the entire National Park System! It’s a fantastic place to let your dog explore new smells, see new sights, and spend time with their favorite human (you!).
Below, I’ll go over all the places you can explore with your canine companion at White Sands National Park and offer some practical, white-sands-specific tips for dogs.
Related National Park Guides:
- Big Bend National Park with Dogs
- 10 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks in the West
- Dog-Friendly National Parks: All 50 States and Their Pet Policies
- Carlsbad Caverns Pet Policy
This post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that we only recommend items we would use ourselves. If you choose to make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are no sponsorships; this is just the truth about our favorite finds.
5 Spectacular Areas To Explore With White Sands National Park Dogs
If you know anything about us Dirtbags with Furbags, then you know we love bringing our dog, Pawdrick, with us on adventures. White Sands was a wonderland to explore, and we even got our cat, G, out in the parking lot to enjoy the cool white sand!
So, where can our White Sands National Park dogs explore?
1. Dogs Are Allowed On All Trails
It’s rare for dogs to be allowed on any trails within a National Park, let alone all of them! There are a total of 5 trails at White Sands, all of which allow leashed dogs. By the way, if you’re looking for a new dog leash, check out our guide on the 10 best dog leashes for hiking!
Let’s check out the trails in a little more detail so you can find a trail that fits your pup.
- Dune Life Nature Trail (1 mile): A 1-mile stroll through a mix of sand dunes and desert scrub. Great for spotting wildlife tracks and learning through informational signs.
- Playa Trail (0.5 miles): This normally dry lakebed fills with water during monsoon season and may even contain crystals!
- Backcountry Camping Trail (2 miles): This beautiful trail features breathtaking landscapes with the San Andres Mountains in the background. It includes hiking up and down dunes, so be prepared for some elevation gain and loss.
- Alkali Flat Trail (5 miles): This is the longest hike in the park and includes hiking up and down 60-foot dunes. That said, it also offers the most solitude and absolutely gorgeous views.
- Interdune Boardwalk (0.4 miles): The best trail for kids and those not used to hiking. This elevated boardwalk trail leads through a fragile interdune ecosystem with beautiful views of the Sacramento Mountains.
Most trails have no shade due to a lack of trees in the dunefield. Bring plenty of sun protection and, if you bring your pup, consider starting early to protect their paws.
2. Dogs Are Allowed In The Backcountry
*As of June 2026, backcountry camping is closed to rehabilitate the campsites. It is unclear when camping will reopen in the park
Allowing dogs in the backcountry is pretty much unheard of at a National Park! However, White Sands is extremely accommodating to our canine companions.
If you want to camp in the backcountry, your doggo is welcome to join you at any of the 10 available sites. A permit is required to camp in the backcountry and can be obtained at the entrance booth or visitor center.
Here are some things to know about backcountry camping at White Sands:
- Weather: Temperatures can soar well above 100℉ during the summer, and frequent thunderstorms roll through in this season. Winter temperatures may drop below freezing at night.
- Wind: Strong winds can cause whiteout conditions in the backcountry. During this time, it is very easy to get lost. Your best course of action is to stay put at your campsite until the windstorm has passed before heading out.
- Night Sky: With little light pollution, the night sky is spectacular in the backcountry. Be sure to get out and enjoy it at night.
- Unexploded Ordinance: Active missile ranges are nearby. If you spot any objects partially sticking out of the sand, do not approach them and alert a ranger.
Always keep your furry pal on a leash while backcountry camping. Animals like badgers, bobcats, coyotes, porcupines, and rattlesnakes all pose a possible threat to our precious pups. Not to mention the small, skittering creatures that they may want to chase!
We have a fantastic guide on the Best Dog Hiking Harness that includes our top 8 picks for adventure-seeking pups.
3. Take Your Dog On A Picnic
White Sands National Park dogs are also allowed in all picnic areas. Consider packing a lunch (and some doggy snacks!) and relax after a hike or fuel up before one!
There are 3 picnic areas in the park to sit back and relax with your furry pal (click for Map directions). Each picnic table has a metal shade covering to offer protection from the unrelenting sun.
There are a total of 62 shaded tables spread throughout the picnic areas. If you’re traveling with a large group, there are two pavilions near the Road Runner picnic area to accommodate groups of up to 20 people.
Wondering what the best snacks are to bring for your dog? Check out our guide on the 5 best training treats for hiking dogs. We only support treats that use real, minimally processed ingredients. Only the best for our pups!
4. Take A Scenic Drive
White Sands National Park has one main road in and out: Dunes Drive. This scenic, 16-mile round-trip road leads through scenic gypsum dunefields with rugged mountains for a backdrop.
Dunes Drive is a fantastic opportunity to roll the windows down and simply take in the views with your dog. You’ll pass by several parking lots, restrooms, picnic areas, and informational signs to stop at if you feel like it, or just enjoy the drive vibes!
The first five miles of Dunes Drive is paved, and the last three are hard-packed gypsum sand. Despite being sand, the last three miles are drivable by any vehicle. The drive itself is a lollipop loop, offering a tour of the entire park in a single, enjoyable drive.
If you have a reactive dog and you’re unsure about hiking around other dogs, a scenic drive is the perfect way to explore the park without having to interact with other doggos. You can also check out our guide on hiking with a reactive dog for tips!
5. Go Sand Sledding With Your Pup
One of the most unique experiences you can have at White Sands National Park is to go sand sledding with your furry copilot. Specialized waxed plastic saucers are available to rent or purchase at the park’s gift shop, as normal snow sleds do not work on sand.
Here are some tips for sand sledding with your dog at White Sands:
- Choose the right slope: Look for a gentle slope with a level run-off for a natural stop at the bottom.
- Avoid vegetation: Do not sled on any area with vegetation, as this can harm the fragile ecosystem.
- Keep your pup leashed: Sledding is best done with small dogs that can fit in your lap. Dogs need to remain leashed while sledding.
Two of the best areas for sand sledding at White Sands are the Roadrunner Picnic Area and the Alkali Flats Trailhead.
Looking for other places to sand sled with your pup? Head over to our post on the 10 Adventurous Things To Do At Great Sand Dunes National Park!
What To Expect When Visiting White Sands National Park With A Dog
Visiting White Sands with your furry friend is an exciting experience. New sights, new smells, and new experiences all await at this beautiful park!
There are a few things to be aware of when visiting this slice of paradise in southern New Mexico:
- No Shade: Most trails have zero shade. Be prepared by hiking in the morning, wearing sun protection, and bringing sunscreen. We love using mineral sunscreen like Blue Lizard because it contains no harmful chemicals that impact the environment.
- Water: The National Park Service recommends bringing as much water for your dog as you do yourself – 1L per day per person (or per dog!).
- Shoes and booties: It’s recommended to wear hiking shoes (not sandals) while hiking in White Sands. As for your pup, consider getting them a pair of booties to protect their paws from hot pavement.
- Wildlife: Rattlesnakes, scorpions, bobcats, coyotes, badgers, kit foxes, and porcupines all pose a potential threat to dogs. Small rodents and lizards may tempt our doggos to chase. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and keep your pup on a leash at all times.
- Windstorms: White-outs can cause low visibility. If this occurs while hiking, try to find the base of a dune and stay put until conditions improve, covering your mouth and nose.
- Sand temperatures & dog paws: Unlike normal sand dunes, the cool, white gypsum sand in the park does not absorb the sun’s heat and stays relatively cool, even in intense heat. Your dog’s paws should be okay on the sand, but the pavement of the parking lot can still be incredibly hot.
The unique landscape of White Sands is like no other place on earth. Enjoy it safely with your fuzzy friends!
What To Pack For White Sands National Park Dogs
We went over some of the White Sands-specific hazards, now let’s go over some recommendations for what to pack for your adventures. We already covered water, so what else should you pack for your pup?
- Collapsible bowl: These are excellent for both food and water.
- Booties: We love Ruffwear’s Hi & Light trail shoes.
- Leash & Harness: To keep your excited pup contained.
- Training Treats: For passing other hikers and to reward your dog for being a good boy or girl!
- Poop bags: Always a must for any dog parent!
- First-Aid kit: For scrapes and bumps while adventuring in the sand.
- Rescue harness: If nothing else, for peace of mind.
Some extras that I always recommend are a post-hike high-reward treat like a bone or peanut butter-filled Kong, a towel to clean off your pet, and pet wipes to clean off any stubborn sand particles.
White Sands National Park Dogs Guide: Wrap-Up Session
There’s nothing pet parents love more than to see their dogs have the time of their life. Tail wagging, ears flying – it’s pure bliss! At White Sands National Park, you and your dog can go pretty much everywhere together!
To recap, here’s where you can explore with your pup at White Sands:
- All trails
- In the backcountry
- At picnic areas
- On scenic drives
- Sand sledding
One of the few places your dog can’t go is inside buildings (except service dogs). Otherwise, you’re all clear to put paws and boots to the ground anywhere in the park.
So, until next time, give your furbag an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful world of ours. For more National Park guides like this one, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!
