White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

And the last leg of our long journey! Here we are in White Sands National Monument.. Having driven all the way to New Mexico, this should be on your list of activities on your itinerary.

White Sands comprises of a large area of gypsum crystals. As we approached White Sands all we could see was a sea shining in the midday sun. The area all around us was white as if it had freshly snowed. This was just at the visitor centre and we had not even entered the park yet. Read about more of Gypsum here and how it is formed. Very interesting details explained. I did learn something from this trip.. all about gypsum :) 

The White Sands area is an active missile testing area. They have scheduled closures of the White Sands Monument and Highway 70. They are updated usually 24 hours before. You can check updated details HERE. The Monument has historical significance.

During the Second World War, when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7th 1941, the US Government responded by setting up a permanent residence in Tularosa Basin creating White Sands Proving Grounds now known as White Sands Missile Range as well as the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range known as the Hollowan Air Force Base.

White Sands Missile Range was one of the key Manhattan Project which developed the first atomic bomb during World War II. The testing of the first atomic bomb took place in 1945 at the Trinity Site on WSMR 65 miles north of White Sands National Monument.

(above ref White Sands website)

There is an annual public visit to the Trinity Site. You can check more details HERE

We didn't have much time so we planned to do the InterDune hike and take the 5 mile drive into the park. To experience this park you need to get out of your car and venture out onto the soft sand. I felt as if I was on a beach .. just without water touching my feet. Little Had we known we would have brought the sled along so we could have had more fun. None the less we did even without it.

INTERDUNE HIKE:

The total amount of time spent here was under 30 mins. We saw some pawprints in the sand and learnt about the vegetation and how the plants survive.

DUNES DRIVE:

We drive for around 5 miles and spent some time playing in the sand. Buy a saucer/sled that you can play with from the visitor centre. Walking in the sand surely was good exercise. Just make sure you have some snacks at hand once your back.

Good exercise climbing up here

Patterns in the sand

Monument Valley

This was a destination we wanted to visit for a very long time!

The route from Arches National Park to Monument Valley was unique. We drove parallel to the Moab Fault. Very picturesque with varied stone colors and formations. Trivia from an information board stated that there was a break in the earths surface some 6 million years ago.

Along the way we passed Mexican Hat. The place gets its name from Sombrero which in English refers to a wide brimmed hat that originated in Mexico. En-route from Mexican Hat to Monument Valley, the San Juan river snakes its way through the canyons. You will get to cross the San Juan river near San Juan Inn. The bridge is old and unique.

After about 3 hours of driving from Arches... this was the view in front of us! This isn't the entrance to the park. But the road leads you there. Its an immense feeling as every mile brings you closer from this point on wards. Some good road trip music helps the mood even better!

There is an entrance fee to enter the park. On reaching the visitor centre parking lot, this is the view that greets you - the famous mittens and the buttes ( below )

The above picture was taken from the visitor centre parking lot at sunset. Amazing isn't it! This is one of the best spots for sunset. From the visitor centre there is a 14 mile dirt road down through the mittens the buttes and to the famous John Ford Point. You can either take a guided tour or drive in your own vehicle. A 4x4 and high clearance vehicle is recommended. Driving is restricted to 5-10 mph, on uneven dirt/stony surface . Don't forget to roll-up your windows, as there are also other vehicles driving along and kicking dust.

Taking a guided tour is great if you want additional viewing as the guides have more access to areas that are considered of great importance to their culture. Driving in your own vehicle will require you to stay on the main road itself. The drive to John Ford's point and back was around 30 mins each way approximately. Please check with the ranger for self guided trails.

The above picture is taken from John Ford Point. If you are lucky you may find a cowboy sitting on a horse at the rim. With the gorgeous backdrop, you will surely get some stunning pics. Some movies In Monument Valley are referred in this link. 

It is surely an incredible experience travelling on this magnificent land. After being there gives you an idea why the Native Americans considered it sacred! Some of the butte mittens to see are East and West Mittens, Elephant Butte, Three sisters, Totem Pole, The Thumb and John Ford Point. A point to be noted. The cowboy standing with the horse do charge for a picture. For a minimal amount you can also use the same cowboy hat and the vest and take a picture with the beautiful backdrop. 

We had the opportunity to visit and enjoy it. We hope you have a great experience as well.