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.

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


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.




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

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.
Sun picture is so realistic that just looking at the picture is blinding. Must have been really unique.
White Sands is a magnificent setting. Thank you for your comment!