Photo Essay: White Sands National Monument

– November 29, 2016

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White Sands National Monument is easily one of my favorite places in all of the Southwest. Having been able to visit twice now, each trip presented its own unique experience. The first time around, I had the opportunity to replicate two photographs that my grandfather had taken during his visit in the 1970’s. And during my second stop, I was able to explore a bit more thoroughly and enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top of my own private sand dune.

Located between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo in southern New Mexico, White Sands is an area consisting of rare white gypsum sand dunes. Unlike the sand that most of us are used to, gypsum is unique in the fact that it does not convert the sun’s energy into heat and thus can be walked upon safely with bare feet. This remarkable quality, combined with the ever-changing landscape, truly make White Sands one of the world’s great natural wonders.

Should you find yourself traveling through southern New Mexico, do yourself a favor and make time to experience a spot like none other on earth. But until then, enjoy photos from my visits to White Sands!