"White Sands -- You See Your Gypsum" White Sands National Monument by DrewV

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

A Yucca at Sunset - White Sands National Monument

White Sands -- Gypsum Rose

You've never seen anything like it. I don't know for certain, of course, but I really think that unless you've frolicked in the soft perfectly white crystal dunes of White Sands National Monument, you have no conception of the experience. It's that amazing.

I had driven up for the afternoon after a day of working in El Paso, and I was caught by surprise. Sure, I had read all about White Sands, about the perfect windswept dunes, the cool gypsum sand, and the brilliant whiteness, but no words could have prepared me. The sands, formed by whipping winds in the sweltering Tularosa Basin, are pristine, marvelous, and in a word, perfect.

Last visit to White Sands National Monument: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Jun 9, 2003
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Reviews (8)

Dunes Drive: a movable street - White Sands National Monument

Dunes Drive Transportation (1)

Can you believe that some people just stop at the visitor center? It's true! They don't want to pay the $3 entrance fee... more travel advice

Gypsum Dunes Fresh-made Daily! - White Sands National Monument

But what are they? Favorites (1)

So you might ask yourself, what exactly is the white sand that gives the park its name? Here's the story: gypsum, a very... more travel advice

All dunes look alike, just like 1950s architecture - White Sands National Monument

Be careful! Warnings and Dangers (1)

Again, I can't stress enough that these dunes, while beautiful and fun, are dangerous to be lost in. The lack of... more travel advice

Imagine yourself a-frolickin'! - White Sands National Monument

Frolick! Frolick, says I! Things to Do (3)

You're going to frolick. That's what you're here for. Rolling down a dune, throwing frisbee or football, making sand... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
As Amazing as the Sand Is...

Restaurants (1)
Food? Water? Fuggedaboutit!

Comments (4)

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KimberlyAnn Jul 21, 2008 at 7:33 AM

Wow! Some folks think $3 is too much to spend to drive this park. Talk about losing out, I love the beauty of the white dunes, and sparce vegitation. A very well done page, with valuable information.
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XenoHumph Nov 3, 2003 at 2:21 PM

What a fascinating place! Great page!
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Sharrie Jun 16, 2003 at 7:44 AM

Been there, done that... but please, grandchildren? lol...
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BabciaMaine Jun 9, 2003 at 7:06 PM

interesting place sounds great