(White Sands NM)
In the middle of the Tularosa Basin, about half way between Las Cruces and Alamogordo NM, lies 275 square miles of gypsum sand dunes. It’s the largest such dune field in the world and has been set aside as White Sands National Monument.
Tardis at White Sands
The huge dunes are constantly growing and shifting, as much as 30 feet per year. The composition of the sand prevents a build up of heat. So, it was rather cool when I was there during mid-morning. BTW, the dune behind Tardis was actually much taller than the rig, and small compared to others in the park.
Roadway through the dunes
I drove the 16 mile round trip, half of which is paved, to explore the glistening white mounds. The non-paved portion is hard packed gypsum sand, like what you find in sheetrock. It’s a bit odd when the road and the surrounding landscape is all white. Kind of like driving through snowdrifts, but without the slippery.
Dunes with San Andres Mountains
You might think the area lifeless. But, there are many critters and plants that survive there. Fox, coyotes, lizards, snakes, moths, rabbits, beetles and birds; yucca, verbana and others live there. Most have adapted to be lighter in color to improve their survival rate. Below the surface is a pool of water that stabilizes the dunes, and provides moisture for the habitat.
Sand dunes with plants
I took a short hike out onto the dunes at the Back Country Camping Trail. Every so often a pole would be sticking up out of the sand to indicate where to go next. Otherwise, it would be way too easy to get disoriented. I didn’t venture too far.
Waves of sand dunes
It was a short visit, as I was on my way to the next camp and adventure. Along the way, I resupplied the cupboard and filled up on propane. The next few days would be dry camping, so I wanted to be prepared.
Camp: 3 Rivers-BLM drycamp
Scene: Desert, sand dunes
My goodness, you could get lost in that white sand and never find your way out!
Which is precisely why I didn’t hike too far into the dunes. It doesn’t take long for every direction to start looking similar.
A beautiful area of NM which we visited several times during our 5 years living in NM.
Great photos!
Thanks for the compliment on the pix. It was difficult trying to get shots with some variety.
Did you see what looked like someone had swept the sand with a broom? Porcupines, no kidding.I spoke to a ranger who told me to be sure and not let the dog off the lead. I guess there are dog run ins with porcupines and the dogs don’t fair so well. I asked what the heck do they eat, he said the nasty little scrub brush and a few other things is enough for a good population. Are you going to Cloudcroft?
Didn’t see evidence of any wildlife; heard most come out at night. Went through Cloudcroft last year, but didn’t stop; looked like a ski town.
Cool stuff! I remember visiting the sand dunes in the early 70s as a little boy. As I recall, we had sand in our clothes afterwards. LOL. It’s really peaceful out there. Tardis looks sharp!
Yeah, I was warned about the invasiveness of the sand. A friend told me of a time he went there to take photos; when he got home his camera was filled with sand.
If you like to paint and you’re hanging around NM, suggest you get up around the Abiqui area (Georgia O’Keefe) for a bit also.
That’s an area I want to see at some time. Probably late in the year or sometime next.
email me robert.richmond@comcast.net if you get up into the northern NM area. I’ve got a little place you can set up if you’re interested.
Thanks for the invite Rob. I’ll keep that in mind.