White Sands National Park ~ A natural wonder unlike any on Earth
Introduction
I have been to many National Parks across the country but there is Nothing quite like The White Sands National Park! From the moment my eyes set forth on this dramatic snow-white landscape while driving down the Sacramento Mountains in New Mexico, my heart just knew this Park was going to be extraordinary!
The White Sands National Park is located in south-central New Mexico, less than an hour’s drive from Las Cruces and about 15 minutes from the small town of Alamogordo. This remarkable natural landmark is something to be experienced in person. It is no wonder why White Sands is New Mexico’s most visited attraction.
What Makes White Sands Special?
The infinite gypsum crystal sand! This National Park contains 275 square miles of white dunes composed of gypsum crystals. It is the world’s largest gypsum dune field! White Sands is so distinctive, that astronauts could see the white dunes from space!
History of White Sands National Park
White Sands was formed less than 10,000 years ago when the mineral gypsum was washed from the surrounding mountains into the bathtub-like basin below named Tularosa. Here, the rain dissolved the gypsum and formed it into large selenite crystals. The strong desert winds eventually broke down these soft selenite crystals into white gypsum sand grains and in time formed expansive dunes. The white dunes are ever-changing and new ones are still forming today. The sands run deep underground as well. Over 4.5 billion tons of gypsum sand are found here! White Sands became a National Monument in 1933 under President Hoover and a National Park in 2019, making it one of the newest National Parks in the United States!
Visiting White Sands National Park
When I learned that the sand at White Sands National Park is composed of crushed selenite crystals, I was in awe. I use selenite in my daily spiritual practices and having the experience of walking barefoot on them in the form of sand was truly surreal.
During my summertime evening stroll, the sparkling white sand felt cool, and was very easy to walk on, up and down the rolling dunes. This type of sand is not typical of what you would find on a beach. I thought it would resemble the white powdery beaches found on the Gulf Coast of Florida, which it does from afar but up close it looks like tiny crystals and its consistency is different. What’s nice about White Sands is that the sand reflects the sunlight so it stays cool and doesn’t burn your feet, but it is recommended to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun and the brightness.
The Park features a beautiful winding drive from the Visitor’s Center to the heart of the dunes where you will find ample parking, picnic areas, and marked hiking trails. One of the most popular activities at White Sands is sledding down the dunes on plastic snow saucers that can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center. In the evening, Ranger-guided sunset strolls are also a big hit amongst park visitors.
Conclusion: Advice from a Sand Dune
I am already looking forward to my next visit to The White Sands National Park during cooler weather so I can hike more on the trails during the daytime. Until then, I will “take the advice from a sand dune” I read in the gift shop at the Visitor’s Center.
Advice from a Sand Dune
“Embrace winds of change
Make positive ripples
Keep moving
Be patient through the dry spells
Go with the flow
Don’t get carried away
Show your true grit!”