While visiting the famous Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in October of 2018, we decided to head south on Interstate 25 to see White Sands National Monument. 

We made a rest stop at a pavilion. Close by was this sign.

Driving through southern New Mexico is stunning.

Today, White Sands National Monument is no longer. 

First designated as a “Monument” by one of his last acts while in office by President Herbert Hoover back in early 1933.  Ironically, Herbert graduated college in Geology and actually worked in the field before coming President. White Sands became officially a National Park in 2019 by President Trump.  Both men served one term.

The reason why this National Park is called “White Sands” is due to the world’s largest deposit of the mineral gypsum which is obviously “white.” There are 275 square miles of gypsum dune fields. This mineral is used to make drywall, chalk and the famous “plaster of Paris.”   There are large deposits of this mineral outside the well-known city of Paris, France.

 

Originally, gypsum came from a rock. The rock is worn down to selenite crystals which then turns to the well-known white gypsum.  The Talarosa Basin has been collecting these crystals for thousands of years.

Millions of years ago this area was under a shallow sea.

There were even sharks in the area.

 People around the surrounding area thought wise to protect it from any further development.  Ironically, one of those patrons that lead the fight was the late Albert B. Fall. He was the Secretary of the Interior under President Warren G. Harding. Albert became infamous in his involvement in the Teapot Dome scandal in 1922.  He became known as “the fall guy” for accepting bribes.

At the entrance is an informative museum. 

Seeing the video is a good idea.

We learned that there are 45 endemic species that live in the park—one of which is a “white lizard.” Also, Indians of various tribes lived here as far back as 12,000 years ago.

As of this writing, there is a $25 dollar fee for each vehicle.  Having a National Park Pass will help the bottom line.

Having enough water is a good idea.  There are no water fountains outside of the museum. 

Our early October visit in this desert area was typical of most days: sunny and dry. There are days that the park is closed as it is close to a “Missile Range.” 

There is no place like White Sands National Park.  Driving the 16-mile roundtrip is a must.  For most of the way, your car is driving on gypsum.

People love to sled on the Dunes.  There are various places that will sell you a sled. Some of the dunes can reach 60 feet high.

There are a number of boardwalks that will take you out for those that don’t want to walk in the sand!

We took a mile hike to experience this place like no other.

We normally don’t take selfies….

Unfortunately, we did not take the “Ranger led hike at 5:45PM.”  We understand that the sunsets in the Park are awesome. 

Not too far from White Sands is McGinn’s Pistachio farm. You can’t miss the signs.

Free samples can be had inside. If you like pistachios, this is where you want to stop.

You just can’t miss this place as you will see the World’s Largest Pistachio statue. It does make a good photo.