White Sands National Monument is a vast but beautiful park. The name "White Sands" is a bit misleading, as the dunes are not made of sand at all, but actually gypsum. It is the world's largest natural deposit of gypsum.

For family fun, bring sleds as you'll see many kids sledding down the dunes like a snow hill! Or take a walk during the cool of night to check out the stars.

If you go during the day, don't forget to bring plenty of drinks to stay hydrated, as well as an old towel to brush off the "sand" before you leave. It has a tendency to stick to your feet more so than sand, and will make quite the mess in your vehicle. Also, if you decide to barefoot it, keep a pair of shoes or sandals handy as some parts of the dunes can be abrasive and HOT. (Call ahead to the park to make sure Highway 70 is not closed, as the White Sands Missile Range is nearby and closes the highway often for testing.)