White Sands, New Mexico

White Sands was our time to cut loose and just be kids again, all of us! A one-of-a-kind outdoor activity, White Sands National Monument is neatly tucked within the Tularosa Basin. [between the Sacramento and San Andres Mountain ranges of southern New Mexico]

At first glance you are sure the dunes are snow, not sand. The sands are not composed of quartz, like most desert sands, but of gypsum and calcium sulfate. Unlike other desert sands, it is cool to the touch, due to the high rate of evaporation of surface moisture and the fact that the sands reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays. The dune fields are so massive, all you will see for miles is sand. It's no wonder it's known to be the world's largest surface deposit of gypsum.

The powdery, white gypsum dunes not only look like snow, they behave like it as well. We rented plastic sleds and took to the dunes! The best part was no need for snowsuits, gloves, hats, boots! We did need a lot of sunscreen however.

We spent about two hours here, took some great photos, experienced usual sledding hills and made unforgettable memories. Highly recommend this adventure off the beaten path in New Mexico, you won't regret it!