Let's Head To New Mexico: White Sands National Park

Tucked away in the Tularosa basin, these dazzling White Sand dunes take the title of the largest gypsum sand dunefield in the world. The dunes cover 275 square  miles and are all protected by the National Park service! The sand itself was left behind by the Permian Sea millions of years ago. 

Steady and strong southwest winds keep the sand moving and piling up year over year. This constant movement gives the sand it's wavy appearance (as pictured above). Vegetation peaks through the dunes to provide both food and shelter for the park's wildlife. Thanks to this vegetation, there is moisture in the sand that keeps the dunes from fully blowing away. Scientists are still trying to understand how the moisture remains in the dunes even during droughts. 

Behind the dunes, you'll see the beautiful Andres Mountains towering over to complete a beautiful picturesque landscape. The park itself is very accessible as you can drive through the dunes and hop off and on the car as you please. It can get very hot in the summer so it is recommended to visit in the Fall or Spring!