A Visit to White Sands National Monument

McCool Travel note: White Sands National Monument is now White Sands National Park.

I recently visited one of my favorite places on Earth, White Sands National Monument near Alamogordo, New Mexico—for the third time.

McCool Travel: White Sands National Monument
sunset at White Sands National Monument

Although it was my third visit, it was the first time for my children and the first time I tried saucers there.

Things to Do in White Sands National Monument

riding saucers is one of the fun things to do in White Sands National Monument
riding saucers is one of the fun things to do in White Sands National Monument
riding saucers is one of the fun things to do in White Sands National Monument
riding saucers is one of the fun things to do in White Sands National Monument

Plastic saucers can be rented from the Visitor Center. Actually, you buy the saucers and get a refund when they are returned.

McCool Tip #1: Check for used saucers behind the cashier. Used saucers will save you a little money. I tried both saucers (new and used) on the dunes and found no difference.

McCool Tip #2: Spend an extra couple of dollars for wax and spend a few minutes waxing your saucer(s) after every few rides. Waxed saucers made a huge difference (in speed).

McCool Tip #3: I had better success with the saucer recommended for children and smaller adults, although I am a larger adult. Go figure!

Even though it was cloudy for our visit, we were rewarded with remarkable colors and vistas at sunset time.

brilliant sunset in White Sands National Monument
watch the brilliant sunset in White Sands National Monument
sunset at White Sands National Monument
colorful sunset at White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument sunset glow
White Sands National Monument sunset glow
White Sands National Monument sunset glow
glowing sunset at White Sands National Monument

My son took a break from riding the dunes to make this wonderful design.

fun sand pattern at White Sands NM
fun sand pattern at White Sands NM

It is easy to find a blank canvas (untouched sand) in the park. What design would you make?

Have you been to White Sands National Monument?

Before your next New Mexico trip, please see our article about Fun Things to Do in Gallup On Your New Mexico Vacation.

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2 thoughts on “A Visit to White Sands National Monument”

  1. Sun picture is so realistic that just looking at the picture is blinding. Must have been really unique.

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