I had really no expectations when we planned our stop at White Sand National Monument. Once we arrived we found the beauty of the dunes to capture our mind in a stillness I have never experienced. The wonder and questions I had during our visit are still not completely answered. White Sand National Monument is one of the most unusual places I have ever visited. It is one of the few magical places that draws you in and makes you want to return over and over. Not just for all the questions but for the adventure that lies in the dunes awaiting your discovery.
Prior to our arrival I downloaded the Junior Dunes Ranger Activity Book for the White Sands National Monument giving us the ability to begin completing the required activities needed to earn our patch. The Junior Dunes Ranger Activity Book is broken into three groups based on age. We completed the entire Lizard activities within the book. Located at the top of each page you will find the symbols that are required to complete that page in order to receive their Junior Ranger certificate, badge or patch and become a Junior Dunes Ranger.
Prior to arriving at the monument we completed the Desert Safety page discussing the importance of packing properly for a desert hike. For this discussion we were able to complete both pages even though it was not required of his level I felt he really needed to understand how to prepare for the desert heat. We also reviewed Nature Manners discussing how to respect the park and other visitors by having good manners.
Upon our arrival we began our journey in the garden located directly in front of the visitor's center. Then making our way indoors to explore the museum, gift shop and gather information for our day of adventure. This gave us a great beginning and orientation for what to expect during our visit to White Sand National Monument. It also brought to our attention the unique geology that exists in the region. White Sands National Monument is the largest white gypsum dunefield in the entire world and though it is called White Sands it is actually crystals that cover the miles and miles of breathtaking landscape.
Once we headed out on our journey to the dunes we had Jaxon fully equipped with a clipboard to begin his Scavenger Hunt completing two pages of our junior ranger program in the process.
The most exciting discovery we made was observing the lizards of White Sand National Monument. A large majority of animals that live in the dunes have adapted overtime and shimmer white to match the gypsum dunes they inhabit. We sat and observed the lizard above as he dug himself a burrow to escape the heat of the midday hot sun.
When we made our way farther into the dunes it appeared to be miles and miles of untouched land as the untouched ripples invited you to come explore.
After our visit to the Monument and learning so much about the Soap Tree Yucca I have now come to admire their beauty from a distance growing wild in the interdune area. I am fascinated that they hold such a beautiful symbiotic relationship with the Yucca Moths.
During the heat of the day with temperatures reaching at least 100 degrees we imagined the sand to be scorching hot. Yet when we got out to explore the area next to the trailhead we found the sand was cold to the touch we were actually able to walk barefoot through it during our adventures and not be affected at all.
When choosing a hike we choose the Interdune Boardwalk since it incorporated many different educational exhibits along the way.
Half way down the platform are seats to sit and observe the natural surroundings. Taking in the stillness of the dunes, watching for any wildlife that might be out braving the heat of the day, and having the ability to take your time in the shade and read through all the wonderful educational exhibits about the Monument.
After completing our hike we raced back to the courtyard at the visitors center to attend Skins & Skulls in hopes to learn about all the animals of White Sands National Monument. We did not realize that this Ranger Program was just a table set up to explore at your own pace. So since we had completed exploring the table within five minutes we decided to interview Ranger Emily to complete our Meet the Ranger page located in our Junior Ranger Book.
After completing the required pages and receiving our patch the fun began. It was time to go sand sledding! We headed to the top of the dunes and enjoyed sand sledding for our first time. It was as if we had all the dunes to ourselves. When we reached the top as far as our eyes could see were rolling hills of white.
White Sand National Monument is a great natural wonder of this earth and I am so glad that we discovered it during our travels. I sometimes wonder what attracts people to specific National Parks. Why do we all flock to Yosemite, Yellowstone or Grand Canyon? Why do so many of us overlook such grand adventures as White Sands National Monument.