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White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

White Sands National Monument in Southern New Mexico is a rather remote place to visit, conseuquently we have only been there once. But I enjoyed it and in the right circumstances I would return.

The Sands are quite a sight and there is nothing to stop you wnadering as far afield as you wish, so long as you stay out of the military area which occupies a sizeable portion of the more remote areas.

Unfortunately from a photographic point of view, the park is closed well before sunset and does not open until well after sunrise, so the chances for well lit photographs are limited.

But the harsh desert ligt at midday makes for some striking effects.

You can drive the main roads in a day, quite easily, but there are numerous walks across the dunes. Some of the tracks are marked with large posts, but it is very easy to lose track of these.

We carried water and compasses when we set off on one of our one mid afternoon treks. We took bearings off landmarks to help us find our way back to where the car was parked, but even so we missed it by a few hundred yards.

It is great being out there, but if you go, consider only going out from the road at right angles to it, so that when you return you are pretty sure to cross it and not miss it.

Also, deliberately build in a small error to your return track so that when you hit the road, you will know which way to turn to find your vehicle.

White Sands National Monument is a place of sweeping landscapes. I'm afraid my square format cannot do it justice. Get out there and take a look for yourselves.

white sands new mexico
mountains white sands new mexico
white sands yellow trees
white sands national reserve new mexico
sunset white sands
wind patterns white sands
All images Copyright Avery Little