Las Cruces - White Sands National Park

I had to make a separate post about White Sands National Park!

Nestled in the heart of New Mexico, lies a unique and mesmerizing natural wonder. White Sands National Park is a captivating desert landscape that stands out for its unparalleled beauty. This unique park is renowned for its vast expanse of glistening, white gypsum sand dunes. With over 275 square miles of desert wilderness to explore, White Sands is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers.

White Sands is not your typical desert. What makes it truly remarkable is the presence of gypsum sand, which gives the dunes their striking, almost otherworldly, white appearance.

An activity that often surprises visitors is sand sledding. Yes, you heard it right! At White Sands National Park, you can sled down the dunes, much like snow sledding. I have to say I did none of that, well, intentionally.

For photographers, White Sands National Park is a dream come true. The stark contrast between the white sand and the vivid colors of the sunset creates a perfect opportunity for stunning photographs. Although I didn't get to experience the park at the sunrise/sunset, I did see a bunch of professional photography taking place. Luckily, with all heavy equipment they could not hike the dunes too far giving me the place to myself.

Fresh sand - nobody was here today before me!

White Sands is also home to a variety of unique wildlife adapted to this extreme environment. From the elusive white-tailed antelope ground squirrels to the resilient kit foxes, the park provides a sanctuary for some remarkable creatures. Sadly, I didn't get to see many creatures, just a few lizards.

For those seeking a unique camping experience, White Sands National Park allows backcountry camping. I believe that overnight camping was not allowed at the time I visited, but it might have changed by the time you read this.

I also got the "feet-in-the-sand" experience. On the last trail, I took off my sneakers and socks and walked a bit feeling the sand with my feet. It was surprisingly not very hot, maybe because it reflected sunlight being white. I genuinely enjoyed it!

White Sands National Park is a place of serene beauty and unparalleled wonder. Whether you're drawn to the unique geology, outdoor activities, photography opportunities, or the park's rich history, White Sands has something to offer everyone.