White Sands National MonumentWhite Sands National Monument in New Mexico is a fun place to visit. This area use to be a lake. It is surrounded by mountain ranges. When the lake drained, the sand washed down from the mountains.The pure white sand is made of gypsum. The gypsum has selenite crystals and the crystals have broken down. What breaks the crystals down is the harsh weather here. The crystals freeze, contract, expand and get blown by the winds. This process breaks down the crystals and is what makes the sand fine, soft and white. White Sands National Monument, Part 1 White Sands, Part 2 You have 275 square miles of white sand when you are here. That is miles upon miles of sand dunes! It is windy here and the winds are constantly moving the sand dunes around. The sand is so fine and so white, that some people say it looks like sugar or snow. You can bring a sled and slide down the dunes, just like you would a hill covered in snow. Stay In A Bed And Breakfast When You Come Here Pictures Trails There are several hiking trails to explore here. Some of the trails will take you to see huge 50 foot cactus plants that do very well in this desert. Other trails take you to some remote, yet covered, individual picnic areas. You need the shade with all the direct sun on the dunes. In fact, this is a good time to remind you to bring your polarized sunglasses and your sunscreen when you come. New Mexico White Sands Camping You are allowed to camp here at the dunes, but know that there are no facilities. There are camp grounds with facilities a few miles down the road. White Sands New Mexico Weather White Sands National Park Map
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