Chris and I visited the
White Sands National Monument in October of 2016. The monument is 275 square miles of white gypsum sand and it is the world's largest
gypsum dunefield.
Once we arrived Chris could not resist planking on the visitor center sign.
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| We are classy folks |
In the Visitor Center we checked out some of the trail maps and watched a short video. We learned that a lot of the animal species in the area adapted over time and became lighter to match their surroundings which helped them survive and reproduce.
I was really looking forward to seeing a white Apache Pocket Mouse which we learned can go months with out drinking water. I looked around but never found one. The only animal we actually saw was a grasshopper...
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| Not even a fancy grasshopper |
Some of the plants have also adapted to survive the harsh conditions of the
Chihuahuan Desert and the shifting dunes. One of those plants is the
Skunkbush Sumac. The sand around their root structure hardens to protect it.
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| Skunkbush Sumac |
We decided a good place to start our hike would be the .4 mile walk at the
Interdune Boardwalk.
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| Chris at the start of the boardwalk |
Not a bad view
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| There are lots of different types of yucca plants sprinkled through out the dunes |
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| Chris and I at the end of the boardwalk |
After that we decided to make our way to the
Backcountry Trail. It was just a short drive away. On the way there we saw lots of families with "saucers" sliding down the side of the dunes. The saucers can be purchased at the gift shop. We might have to try that if we go back.
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| The start of the 1.8 mile Backcountry Trail |
We were glad we came prepared with hats, lots of suntan lotion and water. There is no shade and even in October it got pretty hot in a short time.
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| It was really amazing to just see nothing but white sand and clear blue sky for miles. |
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| I loved looking up close at the sparkling gypsum |
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| Me doing my normal hands on the hip pose |
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| I love this picture because it just looks so vast and desolate. |
We had a great visit to White Sands. Would love to go back when it is cooler outside.
Have you been? If so what was your favorite thing? Let us know in the comments below.
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