Indian Wells Overlook

Beginning from the parking lot of the Museum of Space History building, the Indian Wells Overlook Trail is a scenic single track path that climbs the lower canyons of the Sacramento Mountains. Heading up a rocky but mostly easy trail, this path passes one other distinct lookout point before reaching the higher Indian Wells Overlook.

At 1.4 miles total out and back, the trail is fine for those with easy-to-moderate hiking abilities, which the biggest hazards being the cactus lingering unnervingly close to the trail and the near complete lack of shade or protection from wind. Several interpretive signs are posted along the way.

Desert plants such as ocotillo, barrel cactus, sotol and yucca dot the rocky landscape along this hike. The trail leaves the shadow of the museum building and slowly gains in elevation - around 265' in total elevation gain - as the views across the Tularosa Basin and White Sands take on an increasingly dominant space in the distance.

At around 1/3 of a mile in, the trail reaches the White Sands Overlook, a peaceful spot atop a bluff with panoramic views of Alamogordo. The hike gets noticeably steeper beyond this lookout point. At about 2/3 of a mile in, one final climb up rocky steps leads to the Indian Wells Overlook point, which has even greater views across the valley.

A single track path continues beyond this point, heading up the canyon, for those who would like to add a bit more distance to their hike. Otherwise, you can turn around here and retrace your path back to the trailhead.

The trail begins at the edge of the Museum of Space History parking lot beside the Daisy Track Exhibit. Parking is available at the museum parking lot.

Visitors should note that the museum parking lot is open limited hours (Sunday: 12pm-5pm, Daily: 10am-5pm however closed Tuesdays), with the gate closed other hours.