White Sands (NM) National Monument
The drive from El Paso to White Sands took less than a hour and a half, especially when a chronic early riser like myself leaves at 5:30am. My arrival at the park at 6:50am was timed perfectly, missing the guard at the park entrance by 10 minutes – a free visit.
Self-portrait on the white sands.
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders – the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, dunes have engulfed 275 square miles of desert creating the world’s largest gypsum dunefield.
White Sands National Monument preserves this dunefield, along with the plants and animals that have adapted to this constantly changing environment.
The park was deserted, save one other early-rising family. Walking on the white sands gave the feel of what the astronauts must have experienced while leaping over the lunar surface.
Early morning is the time to visit the park. The temperature at my arrival was a cool 59F, however when exited the gate an hour later my car’s thermostat read 73F on the way to the high 90’s.
If you are driving through New Mexico, White Sands is a must see destination. One of the best National Parks where you can hike the sands, or rent a sled and enjoy the thrill of sliding down the steep sand hills.
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