Hiking the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail in White Sands National Park
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Backcountry Camping Loop Trail in White Sands National Park is a favorite among backpackers because it is the only trail within the park boundaries where backcountry camping is allowed.
However, the relatively short 2.0-mile (3.2 km) loop is not only for those who are interested in spending the night in the park, but the trail is also a favorite for day hikers because the Backcountry Loop is seen as an intermediate adventure between both the shorter Dune Life Nature Trail at 1.0 mile (1.6 km) roundtrip and the longer, much more involved Alkali Flat Trail that totals 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip.
In any case, the Backcountry Loop Trail is a fun adventure beyond just hiking and camping, as the dunes surrounding the trail are also a park favorite to go sledding, as well as enjoy both sunrise and sunset in the heart of the dune field!
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Backcountry Camping Trailhead Parking
The Backcountry Camping Loop Trailhead is located about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) away from the visitor center, which is the second-to-last trailhead off of Dunes Drive.
That being said, the large parking area can be a busy trailhead, as many park visitors love the adjacent dunes as an easy-access location to go sledding.
Google Maps Directions: Backcountry Camping Loop Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - White Sands
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in White Sands National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail
From the trailhead, the Backcountry Camping Loop begins at the foot of the dune field, following one main path until the loop splits, about 0.1 miles (0.2 km) into the hike.
Backcountry Camping Loop Trail
From the start of the Backcountry Camping Loop, you can either continue straight or make a hard right turn to hike in the counterclockwise direction.
That being said, I chose to go straight.
Along the loop, the Backcountry Trail will pass by a number of different designated campsites, located just off the trail from these markers.
With that in mind, I’ve written an entirely separate article about my favorite camping gear across all categories, which I highly recommend reading if you’re looking for quality gear without spending an unnecessary amount of money on items that aren’t worth it.
Read My Separate Post: Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear
These Yucca, found throughout the sand dunes, are a favorite in White Sands National Park, as one species in particular, the Yucca glauca, is the state flower of New Mexico.
This is the trail marker for campsite two, which I hiked off the loop to show an example of what one of the ten different sites looks like.
Campsite 2
Campsite two is just one example out of the many that you could choose off the Backcountry Camping Loop, but know that the National Park Service makes it very clear that there is no water or restrooms available anywhere in the dune field.
Additionally, all human waste is required to either be carried out using a wag bag (like the one below) or by hiking to the vault toilets at the trailhead.
Sun Shirts
If this is your first time in the area, you’re likely unprepared for how strong the sun can be.
For this reason, I recommend picking up a quality, hooded sun shirt if you plan to do any hiking. Protection from the sun cannot be overstated, and in my experience, sunscreen alone has never been enough over a multi-day visit, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season!
Backcountry Camping Loop Junction
This is where the Backcountry Camping Trail returns to the original split, but as the loop begins to get close to the trailhead again, most hikers don’t return to this point.
Instead, it’s more common to start hiking direct toward the parking lot.
More White Sands Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within White Sands National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
When it comes to staying safe in White Sands National Park, the safety concerns are generally centered around a few main things.
First and most obvious, the summer heat/ dehydration are nothing to take lightly in southern New Mexico. Like Death Valley, White Sands National Park is often seen as an off-season park compared to others, like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, where the best time to visit is during the summer.
That being said, White Sands National Park is a place of extremes, with summer temperatures that can soar well above 100ºF (38ºC) and winter temperatures that drop as low as 10ºF (-12ºC).
However, what this doesn’t mention is how much greater and faster the risk of sunburn can be in this extreme environment. What I mean is that the white gypsum sand can act like a glacier, where the risk of serious sunburn is intensified because of the solar reflection off the white surface.
Therefore, arriving prepared with plenty of sunscreen, water, and good sunglasses is not only recommended but essential for a safe visit. Additionally, be aware that the visitor center is the only place in White Sands National Park to get water!
The next thing that poses the greatest risk in White Sands is simply getting lost. The vast majority of trails within the park are in the dune field, and being the case, they are only marked by spaced-out trail markers that stick out of the sand. However, these markers can and do fall over and get buried by the sand, meaning that trails can be difficult to follow—especially when it’s windy and visibility is limited.
Finally, there are a few rare but venomous reptiles to be aware of, including the Prairie and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, and the mildly venomous Sand Scorpion, which is said to feel similar to a bee sting.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: White Sands National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where it is appropriate.
Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.
All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.
Disclosure
This post is not sponsored.
However, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made through one of those links. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend products that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support, which enables me to continue creating more!
To read the full privacy policy, click here.
About This Blog
Noah Lang Photography, also known as @noahawaii, is 100% reader-supported!
I do not accept guest articles or sponsored content of any kind on my blog, which is why, if you enjoy the outdoor and travel content I create, please consider buying me a coffee!
I appreciate your support, which helps me continue to keep this blog alive!
