New Mexico · Hiking

Backcountry Camping Loop Trail

Backcountry Camping Loop Trail
Loop
route
Mar–Apr, Oct
best months

Is Backcountry Camping Loop Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in White Sands National Park. It doesn't name Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · White Sands National Park. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Backcountry Camping Loop Trail is a loop route in White Sands National Park in New Mexico, managed by the National Park Service. The trail is a backcountry camping loop, and the trailhead is named the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail Trailhead. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show April highs around 79°F and October highs around 79°F, while July and August average highs near 97°F with more wet days. A fee is charged for the trail. The First Stop of Backcountry Camping Loop Trail Tour and the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail Restroom both sit about 0.1 mile away. The Alkali Flat Trail is about 0.9 mile off, and the Interdune Boardwalk is about 1.8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Apr, Oct

    Best time to visit Backcountry Camping Loop Trail

    Best months: March–April and October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      57° / 22°

      3 wet

    2. Feb

      63° / 27°

      3 wet

    3. Mar

      71° / 33°

      2 wet

    4. Apr

      79° / 41°

      2 wet

    5. May

      88° / 50°

      2 wet

    6. Jun

      97° / 60°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      97° / 65°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      95° / 63°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      89° / 56°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      79° / 42°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      67° / 29°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      57° / 22°

      3 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at White Sands Natl Mon, NM, 5.5 mi away at 4,006 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Backcountry Camping Loop Trail Restroom

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Alkali Flat Trail

~2 min drive

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Dune Life Nature Trail

~6 min drive

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Interdune Boardwalk

~3 min drive

The Interdune Boardwalk is fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and strollers. Take an easy 0.4 mile (650m) round trip stroll through the dunes and learn about the science, geology, plants, and animals that make White Sands an unequaled natural wonder. The boardwalk…

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~45 min drive

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Playa Trail

~6 min drive

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