"The Low Glow of White Sands National Monument" Top 5 Page for this destination White Sands National Monument by richiecdisc

White Sands National Monument Travel Guide: 116 reviews and 288 photos

the incredible early morning glow at White Sands

White Sands National Monument may not be home to the highest sand dunes in the world but these hills are made of gypsum and in that department, this is the biggest patch of that mineral in the form of sand anywhere on the planet. Gypsum dissolves in water so it takes a particularly arid climate for dune formation to last for an appreciable time. When you are talking about 275 square miles of such dunes, some reaching heights of 60 feet, you are talking one awe-inspiring sight. But it's not just white sand here though to the naked eye that's what it looks like, running into infinity.

the squeaky sound of sand between your toes

miles of white gypsum

There are a variety of plants and small creatures particularly adapted to this inhospitable terrain. The park is set up for day trippers with no organized camping and gates locked at sunset to sunrise. Though you can explore it adequately in a half day, to truly appreciate its intricacies and even splendor, one needs to be here in the low light hours just before sunrise and after sunset, when the park is officially closed. Suddenly, a park seemingly designed for the tour bus set becomes the playground of the intrepid backpacker. Camping in the dunes for even one night allows for a magical experience; this is when the hearty creatures that call this place home come out to make a living, the gypsum turns from white to glowing red, and the squeaky sound of the sand between your toes is all you hear besides the wind.

Last visit to White Sands National Monument: Apr 2008
Intro Updated May 24, 2009
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Reviews (21)

a great place to set up your tent - White Sands National Monument

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Off The Beaten Path (1)

We came upon this desert oasis quite by chance. With no campground in White Sands National Monument and our vow to not... more travel advice

moonlight beats the clubs any day - White Sands National Monument

why go anywhere else? Nightlife (1)

There is a brewpub about an hour south of the park but it's likely you'll be staying a half hour in the other direction.... more travel advice

D & I on the Yellow Submarine - White Sands National Monument

hiking & backpacking are great sports! Sports & Outdoors (1)

Hiking and backpacking are great sports but you have to be prepared both physically and mentally. Even though the... more travel advice

no sled, just sitting on the top of the world - White Sands National Monument

to sled or not to sled Shopping (1)

The Visitor Center sells and rents round sleds which are used to slide down the dunes. It's evidently very popular in... more travel advice

Comments (9)

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Nemorino Feb 14, 2010 at 4:31 AM

Fantastic photos of this unique area! Since gypsum dissolves in water it must be really dry there, to allow those white gypsum dunes to develop and endure. Good for Herbert Hoover for designating this as a protected National Monument in 1933.
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jumpingnorman Jun 24, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Awesome pictures of the White Sands - we just discovered it last April and the twins liked your lizard picture...that was cool you set up tent there, hehehe...Norman :)
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toonsarah Jun 18, 2009 at 7:28 AM

Fantastic photos Richie - that opening shot is awesome! The "lonely yucca" one too, oh and ALL the evening ones! I have immediately added White Sands to my wish-list for a future trip.
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Bwana_Brown Jun 3, 2009 at 5:58 AM

Wow Richie, now I know why I too have always wanted to visit White Sands National Monument! Gorgeous photos, excellent tips, awesome place!!
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mircaskirca May 27, 2009 at 12:40 PM

The sand dunes look amazing!! They remind me on some that I visited in the north and central Brazil. The campgrounds were a real find - I can understand your happiness about it :) Your beautiful pictures perfectly reflect the magic of the place :)
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Trekki May 25, 2009 at 8:36 PM

Oh this is fantastic, Richie :-))) I love all your photos, this bluish white is exceptionally beautiful!! Powdered Gatorade, something I should consider to buy. And sledging in the sand, what a funny idea :-)
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Sharrie May 24, 2009 at 5:39 AM

I love some of the shots you took here. Perfect lighting & perspective. Really nice to see you've improved with age, hehe... Well, glad that u've a great time here & a nice story to share with us!
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Gili_S May 22, 2009 at 6:30 AM

Great adventures, walking a dune sands is almost like deep snow ;-)
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DoreenDe May 21, 2009 at 3:31 PM

wait... did I really read that..."skip the beer..." ?! Who are you & what did you do to my husband?!