Endless Dunes (White Sands National Park)

Photo credit: WSNP White Sands National Park

Located in southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park stands as one of the most breathtaking and unique landscapes in the United States. Spanning over 275 square miles, this remarkable park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, where the sand stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

The stark beauty of the park, with its pristine white sand dunes that seem to glow under the sun, attracts adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers from around the globe. Visitors can explore the dunes on foot, by sled, or on one of the park’s designated trails, each offering a new perspective on the vast, undulating sandscapes.

White Sand National Park

Among those recently drawn to the natural wonder was Mark Benson, a 42-year-old architect from Dallas, Texas, who visited the park for the first time earlier this month. "I’ve seen pictures of White Sands, but they don’t do it justice," Benson said while sitting atop one of the dunes, gazing out at the vast expanse of gypsum. "It’s almost otherworldly here—the light, the sand, the way everything just feels so expansive and pure. You really have to be here to experience it."

White Sands National Park, designated as a national monument in 1933 and later redesignated as a national park in 2019, is unique due to the composition of its sand. Unlike typical quartz sand, the dunes here are made of gypsum crystals, which give the sand its brilliant white appearance. The gypsum, which comes from the nearby San Andres Mountains, is deposited in the form of sand as it is carried by wind, creating a striking landscape unlike any other in the world.

Benson, who had been hiking and taking photos of the dunes, found the experience both peaceful and invigorating. "There’s a serenity here that’s hard to describe," he said. "As I walked further into the dunes, it felt like time slowed down. Everything else just melts away, and you can focus on the moment."

The park offers various opportunities for exploration, from the scenic Dunes Drive, which winds through the dunes and provides stunning views, to the more rugged Alkali Flat Trail, which leads visitors deep into the gypsum field. The park is also known for its nighttime programs, where visitors can stargaze under the clear, unpolluted skies that have earned the park a designation as a Dark Sky Place.

White Sand National Park at sunset

One of the park’s standout features is its dynamic and ever-changing nature. The dunes shift constantly with the wind, reshaping the landscape daily. "It’s incredible to think that this entire environment is constantly evolving," Benson reflected. "You could come back in a year, and this place might look completely different."

Wildlife, including coyotes, rabbits, and a variety of birds, also call White Sands home, adapting to the harsh conditions of the desert. The park is a prime example of a desert ecosystem that thrives despite the extreme heat and arid conditions. Visitors are encouraged to take only memories and leave no trace to preserve the delicate balance of this environment.

For Benson, the trip was more than just a chance to see a beautiful landscape—it was a reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving such places. "I’ve traveled to many national parks, but there’s something magical about White Sands," he said. "It makes you realize how vast and diverse the natural world is, and how much we need to protect it."

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows over the dunes, Benson took one last look at the serene landscape before heading back to the park’s entrance. The sand had begun to cool, and the light was fading, but the memory of White Sands would remain etched in his mind for years to come.

White Sands National Park continues to be a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an adventure in one of the most striking and unusual environments in the country. Whether it's for the hiking, photography, or simply to experience the beauty of nature, the park remains a testament to the power and beauty of the natural world.