Top Desert Parks: White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

White Sands National Monument is part of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico, and it contains a huge area of pure white dunes of wind-blown gypsum powder, formerly eroded from the nearby San Andres Mountains. Most of the dunes are completely unvegetated, and the elemental scenery of white dunes and (usually) blue sky makes this one of the most magical places in the Southwest, especially at sunset or sunrise. The monument has a few trails and viewing areas, while off trail exploration is allowed in most areas.

White Sands: details, map