Our first visit to this natural wonder, was right after a storm. As we drove through the park, we were privileged to witness the stunning white sand that is continually tossed about by the wind.
White Sands is located in the Tularosa Basin not far from Alamogordo, New Mexico. The National Park Service is constantly clearing the roads and even builds new ones due to the shifting sand.
Our second visit was one experience we will never forget. The blindingly white sand beckons bare feet to sink into the powdery gypsum.
After lugging the plastic sled up the dunes and sledding down with laughter, we realized this was just like sledding on snow without the coats and the cold, just shorts and sunny weather this is way better!
Dad took his turn.
At first, Katie was happy staying at the bottom of the dune playing with sand toys, but it wasn't long before she decided to climb to the top. It was not easy for her, but she didn't give up.
She went up and down the dunes enjoying every minute.
This sand is cool to the touch unlike the sand at the beach. Gypsum doesn't retain heat. The children loved rolling, running, and relaxing on dunes.
As far as our eyes could see, we were engulfed in the white drifts. White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field in the world. It is 275 square miles most of which is located within White Sands Missile Range.
The park rents and sells sledding disks. We were able to purchase a few used ones and then resell them when we left.
If you are ever in New Mexico, be sure to visit White Sands it will forever be etched into your memory.
Hannah is still talking about sledding down the dunes.
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