White Sands National Park, NM

White Sands National Park preserves more than half of the largest gypsum dunefield in the world that lies in the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico.


As the road through the national park winds enters the heart of the sand dunes, its surfaces changes from pavement to sand-covered pavement to sand.


Sand Road
Sand Regularly Plowed Off the Road


Colored markers were placed at strategic spots and intervals to ensure hikers could navigate the different trails through the undulating white landscape.


Red Trail Markers
Red Trail Markers


Winds, moisture, and the infrequent plants cause the sand to shift and settle into different shapes.


Sand Dunes
Plants Grow in Low Spots

Sand Dunes
Waves of White Sand

Sand Dunes
Sand Dune Ridgeline


To the west of the national park lay the San Andres Mountains.


San Andres Mountains
San Andres Mountains beyond the White Sand

San Andres Mountains
More Mountains to the West


The white sand contained details that was only noticeable when viewed up close.


Textured Sand
Weather-Created Contour & Texture

Tiny Pebbles
Tiny Pebbles Mixed into the White Sand


This sign at the western edge of the dunes served as a reminder that the White Sands Missile Range surrounds the national park.


Do Not Enter Sign
Keep Out - Unexploded Munitions


While standing atop a sand dune in the Alkali Flat area of the national park, I recorded this video while turning around in a circle.



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