White Sands National Monument

I first visited White Sands National Monument during a cross-country move for the military 4 years ago. I've recently been stationed in Arizona which has given me the proximity to revisit this otherworldly national monument. Longtime residents of New Mexico tell of visiting the monument as children and not wanting to get out of the car because they were scared it was going to be cold. I can tell you from firsthand experience that it's a surreal experience to get out of your vehicle in the middle of a desert and see dunes of what looks like snow in front of you. It has a surprisingly cool temperature even in the heat of the day although it reflects the sun in a manner reminiscent of the ocean on hot days. Families pack sleds when they visit the monument to allow them to sled or snowboard down the gypsum dunes.