White Sands National Monument

Travel | White Sands National Monument

Sand dunes have a way of taking my breath away. Every single time.

It begins in my car, when they first appear on the horizon. And then my heart begins to pound a bit, as I get closer and their grand size if revealed. Once I step on the sand and begin walking along the ridges, my heart soars. Simply put, sand dunes are incredible.

Why are they so intriguing?

Perhaps the endless view of goodness. The contrast between sand and mountains. How the sun makes the individual grains of sand glitter. Maybe the ripples, smooth spots and everything in between.

White Sands National Monument, in New Mexico, was impressive, as expected. I met tarantulas, crazy looking bugs and enjoyed hours walking across the dunes, watching the sun disappear for the day while the moon rose.

It's safe to say I will be going back. Soon.

Favorite Hikes + Places to Explore

• Alkali Flat Trail - a 4.6 mile, round-trip, wilderness hike with little vegetation in sight. The trail leads to the Alkali Flat, the dried lakebed of Lake Otero.

• Amphitheater - evening program area in the dunes.

• Heart of the Sands - picnic area near the end of Dunes Drive.

• Interdune Boardwalk - this quick, 650 yard walk takes you to a scenic view on top of a dune.

• The Dunes Drive - drive eight miles from the visitor center into the heart of the dunes. Allow ample time for stopping to explore on foot.