World’s largest Gypsum dune field – White Sands National Monument

I have heard a lot about the white sands from many of my friends who have visited, from many articles I have read, and many Many travel bloggers. Upon seeing the the beauty I was awestruck and blownaway instantly which Is why I have decided to pen down a seperate post just for this beauty.

DE5A8142-01 — *There wasn’t a single soul !*

White Sands National Monument is in the northern Chihuahuan Desert in the U.S. state of New Mexico. It’s known for its dramatic landscape of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features.

The sands are filled in as far as the eye can see, The symmetry of the sand wave formation has mesmarized me. I am running out of words to put down my exact thoughts when I first saw – literally.

There is abundant amount of flora and Fauna.

DE5A7610-01 — *Look out for these little insects !*

Dunes Drive is a looped road from the White Sands Visitor Center to the dune field and make sure you drive through this loop before the hike. I have taken N number of videos but my account doesn’t support videos – SO I shall just stick to the pictures. However, You can visit my Instagram page for videos in the Insta stories.

I strongly urge you guys to wear bright colours if you are looking for few brilliant snaps.

DE5A8153-1-01 — The Brighter – The Better

IMG_6442-1-01 — *Clearly, Shades of Pink are your colours when visiting the White Sands!*

IMG_6431-1-01 — *Red Shades ? Oh YEAH Certainly.*

IMG_6516-1-01 — *That is the entire group rolling in the dunes!*

DE5A7504-1-01 — *Never ever leave a sand place without getting the sand into your hands ! – That is a sin I say!*

I had been to the White Sands this September (September 2019) and it was really hot. So HOT that I had like 3 layers of tan when I left the monument and the sun was so bright that I could not manage looking at camera facing the sun.

DE5A7402-1-01 — *That is clearly not the cap I was referring to, when I suggested you to get a cap.*

DE5A7502-01 — *I did Manage to get a decent Picture!*

DE5A7579-02 — *Making my way through the Dunes !*

IMG_6623-01 — *Making her Mark – While she leaves White Sands*

DE5A7947-01 — Get yourself a Sovereign – Bottle of Sand

DE5A7533-01 — *Yupiiieeee ! I did fly that high!*

Fun Facts:

* The sand here is not made up of Silica, but is made up of Gypsum

* You might find an Oryx if you look out

* This is a monument and not a park (YES, I was taken back when I read it first)

* Get ready to get lost (Make sure to drop a google pin when you park your car)

* You will not find a single soul – Get sufficient water and a cap if you plan a hike (Short or Long)

Tip:

Arrive at the monument for sunset or Sunrise for the best views.

I left the place with an everlasting impression on my mind – I hope you would to.

3 thoughts on “World’s largest Gypsum dune field – White Sands National Monument”

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Jayakumar says:

22 Sep 2019 at 9:10 pm

Very beautiful views and pictures. Apart from New Mexico, where else in the world do you have these white sand beaches? Are all white sand beaches are of Gypsum?

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Jayakumar says:

22 Sep 2019 at 9:12 pm

Why is it named a monument?

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Rani says:

23 Sep 2019 at 11:36 am

It’s really awesome Swetha. There is life in ur writings. Very good pictures. Looking at all these pictures make me want to visit this place immediately. However, I am postponing the idea for a while, as India is really far and there are many travel arrangements that I need to make. Good luck. Thank You for sharing this.

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