White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument is probably one of the most awe inspiring places we have visited! The science behind how the vast dune fields got there is so interesting!
While we were there the boys learned about the dunes and gypsum and earned their junior ranger badge for White Sands National Monument!
There are over 275 square acres of dune fields. These dune fields are made up of a mineral called Gypsum. The gypsum is brought down from the surrounding mountains by the rain and are deposited into an ephemeral lake or playa. As the water evaporated the mineral is wind-blown to the dune fields.
The “sand” is the softest “sand” we have ever felt! It is nice to take your shoes off and walk in it! The boys loved rolling down the hills, climbing the dunes and playing in the sand. Our one and only regret is not brining sleds with us! The sand is perfect for sledding! It is like snow, only softer and warm on most days!
5 Comments
Emilee
Beautiful! I’m so excited to be following you! 🙂
Cristi
Beautiful pictures. I think I’ve added another destination to the bucket list we’ve created for our time living out west.
I’m so excited to be following you!
lightofworldphoto
Looks beautiful! I am on a quest to hit all the National Parks and as many National Monuments, Battlefields, Seashores and Lakeshores as possible so I am glad to add this to my list :). Looks like a fun trip!
Tonya @ The Traveling Praters
Thanks for linking up to the Best of the USA blog hop! I’m so glad you linked up so I could find your site. I would never have thought of sledding on snow, though it sure sounds preferable to the COLD snow that we have right now in Ohio! Can’t wait to read more about your adventures. My family spent 18 months as a full-time RV family and hope to set off in an RV one more time. 🙂
Bethany
How beautiful! I’d like to come too!