7 Reasons To Drop Everything And Visit White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is one of many reasons that New Mexico is referred to as “The Land of Enchantment.”  People from all around the world travel to White Sands in droves throughout the year. It makes them feel as though they’re visiting another planet because of its insane white sandy dunes (actually gypsum crystals and not sand at all). The park allows for many wonderful adventurous outings involving sledding, horseback riding, driving the dunes, bicycling, camping, and most of all dreaming.

1) Sledding on the White Sands

Sledding on the White Sands is one of the most popular activities. Being safe for kids and still insanely fun for adults, it is a perfect family getaway. The white sand is actually more slippery than snow so, therefore, more exhilarating. Another superior aspect is that you won’t be soaked and wet and you won’t have to wear snowsuits, and you can enjoy the nice weather. Also, it’s year-round!

For those looking for a fun time with that, the whole family can take part in and enjoy; sledding at the White Sands National Park can’t be beaten!

2) Horseback Riding

Riding horses in the White Sands is an amazing way to visit the park. Horses can take adventurous travel to unique places throughout the dunes where most bipeds find it difficult. Also, it’s a quiet and serene form of travel that can bring families and lovers close together for an extraordinary experience like no other.

3) Hiking Through the White Sands

Many adventurers love to hike. We find it to be a superior way to experience natural environments. We get to take our time to explore and take in the scenery and experience the wildlife first hand.

White Sands National Park offers 5 hiking trails which include, The Playa Trail, Interdune Boardwalk, Dune Life Nature Trail, Backcountry Camping Trail, and the Alkali Flat Trail.

4) Driving Along Dunes Drive

Dunes Drive is an 8 mile stretch of amazing roadway that takes drivers through a unique experience that they can only have in White Sands National Park. It takes about 45 minutes to complete and during the drive, you will find outdoor exhibits, hiking trails, picnic areas, vault toilets, and parking areas.

The first five miles of Dunes Drive is paved and the last three miles are a hard-packed gypsum sand road. The road is suitable for cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and buses.

5) Bicycling on Gypsum

The only place in the world where bicyclists can ride on hard-packed white gypsum is at White Sands. It’s truly a unique experience and a great way to exercise.

6) Camping in the National Park

One of the best experiences you can have at White Sands is camping among they glistening gypsum crystals under an immense starry night sky. I suggest all adventurers do all the above and end your day camping under the amazing stars for an experience you’ll never forget!

7) White Sands National Park Photography

How often do we get to travel to other planets? Not often at all, I’d have to guess. White Sands is a nature photographers wonderland. Otherworldly scenery, wonderful natural elements, and amazingly starry nights make for one of the most amazing places on the planet for adventurous nature photographers.