The park’s policy requires dogs to remain on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times, but otherwise, you’re free to explore all there is to see with your pup. This means sunrise walks over the Alkali Flat Trail (known for its expansive views and minimal crowds) are just as accessible to pets as the popular Dune Life Nature Trail, where interpretive signs describe the desert’s adaptive wildlife.
Photos: Clarice Olson/Shutterstock, Cavan Images/Shutterstock, and chloe7992/Shutterstock
The park’s main Dunes Drive is an eight-mile loop connecting the visitor center and the park’s namesake dunefield, and it passes several picnic and pull-out areas for short walks or a bit of sandy play. Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners along the hard-packed dune ridges or into the picnic shelters scattered along the route, many of which have shaded tables and water spigots.
Because the dunes are so open and sightlines so long, it’s also an easy place to keep an eye on curious pups while still giving them a sense of freedom. Many visitors bring camp chairs or blankets to set up a little “base camp” on a dune crest while their dogs sniff around nearby. Dogs also seem to like using the gentle slopes for a low-key version of sand sledding — something easier for older dogs and short-legged breeds.
Photographers will appreciate how the bright gypsum and big desert sky make a perfect backdrop for dog photos, especially in the golden hour when the sun softens and long shadows ripple across the sand.
Note, however, that it can be quite hot in southern New Mexico during summer and fall months. To protect your pup, get out early or wait until the sun starts heading down or shade covers much of the landscape. White sand reflects heat intensely – and you don’t want to burn your dog’s paws. If it’s too hot to keep your hand on the sand for 10 seconds, it’s too hot for dogs’ feet.
Camping in the park is currently prohibited as the National Park Service rehabilitates the campgrounds, which is expected to take several years. No set date for reopening of the campsites has been announced.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is genuinely dog-friendly, with designated pet rooms and extras like a dog bed, blanket and treats. It accepts medium-to-large dogs up to 75 pounds, and you’re only about a 30–minute drive via US-70 east to the national park.
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel is especially dog friendly with relaxed pet policies, treats at check-in, on-site relief areas, and a short, 15–20 minute drive to the entrance of White Sands National Park.
This private campground is about 20 miles from the dunes, with RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. Dogs are allowed as long as they’re on leash, and there’s even a Kamp K9 dog park on site. 