White Sands National Park: A Unique and Surreal Landscape
White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is a natural wonderland that draws visitors from all over the world. With its brilliant white sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, the park offers a unique and surreal landscape that is unlike anything else on Earth. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful escape, White Sands is a must-visit destination.
History
White Sands National Park was originally established as a national monument in 1933, and was upgraded to a national park in 2019. The park's striking white sand dunes were formed over thousands of years from gypsum crystals, which were eroded by wind and water and then deposited in the Tularosa Basin. The dunes cover an area of 275 square miles, making them the largest gypsum dune field in the world.
Activities
One of the most popular activities in White Sands is hiking. The park offers several hiking trails that wind through the dunes, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous mountain climbs. One of the most popular hikes is the Alkali Flat Trail, which offers a challenging trek through the heart of the dune field. The interesting thing about hiking in White Sands is that the sand is cool. We were there in late May and the sand was so fine, soft and cool to the touch.
Another popular activity in White Sands is sledding. Visitors can rent sleds at the park's visitor center and slide down the steep sand dunes for a thrilling and unforgettable experience. The visitors center has limited hours so we actually got our saucers (think snow saucer) from the Holiday Inn where we were staying. They also provided us with the wax for our saucers. You really do need the wax. It helps the saucer slide farther and faster. We spent most of our time sledding and being amazed at just how great the sand felt. It is not the brown sand you are used to at the beach that gets into every crevice you have.
White Sands is also a paradise for stargazers. The park is located in a remote area far
from the light pollution of cities, making it an ideal spot for observing the night sky. Visitors can attend ranger-led astronomy programs or simply bring their own telescope and explore the stars on their own. We did not have the opportunity to star gaze but we did witness the incredible sunset while we were there.
(photo of me and my daughter watching the sun go down and me annoying her)
Accommodations
White Sands National Park offers several options for overnight accommodations. The park has several primitive campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as several backcountry campsites for those who prefer a more secluded experience. There are also several hotels and motels located in the nearby town of Alamogordo for those who prefer a more comfortable stay. We stayed in Alamagordo at the Holiday Inn. It was pretty nice with free breakfast. While we were in town there was also an air show at the Holloman Air Force Base and many of the pilots were also staying at the Holiday Inn.
Conclusion
White Sands National Park is a unique and surreal landscape that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. With its brilliant white sand dunes, stunning sunsets, and breathtaking night sky, White Sands is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. There is also a white layer (similar to how smog looks but it is white) that hovers above the dunes and it is pretty unique and amazing to see. So why not plan your trip today and discover the magic of this remarkable park for yourself? If you have any questions feel free to email me at hikingunlimited@gmail.com
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