Picturesque White Sands National Monument offers unusual opportunities

At White Sands National Monument in south-central New Mexico, everything looks like it could be a on a postcard, photograph or painting. Blinding white sand dunes with cactus, trees and plants growing from them stretch out for miles in front of the Sacramento and San Andres mountain ranges.

Going sledding here stretches the imagination in this oasis in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert. Yet the gypsum dunes are perfect for that.

Although just as much fun as sled riding in the snow, the experience is quite different. Trekking up a dune can be a challenge. Unlike snow, the sand is not slippery, but gritty and denser, especially if it recently has rained. But the hike up is worth it. After pausing at the top to take in the view of the area, it’s all downhill. One good shove in the sand to get the sled going, and it’s smooth coasting all the way down.

Sledding isn’t the only thing to do in White Sands.

The monument covers more than 270 miles. Dune Drive, an 8-mile roadway that that takes 45 minutes to drive, allows great viewing from a car, with places to pull off for a picnic, to take photos or go hiking.

There are five marked trails throughout the area for hikers to enjoy.

An approximately halfmile handicap-accessible boardwalk accommodates strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices to make it possible for everyone to enjoy the dunes. The boardwalk has a variety of exhibits detailing the history of the area and educates about the plant and animal life there.

Horseback riding is another way to explore the dunes. Riders, who bring their own horses, must obtain a day pass and register with a park ranger before riding.

Planning a backcountry camping trip is for those who don’t think one day is enough to spend at the monument. The 10 available drinking water at all times. Check at the park visitor center for safety tips and advice for all activities before heading out. Bringing your own sled is advisable. The saucer types work the best. Sleds are available for purchase at the visitor center gift shop and can be sold back to them afterward. The monument sits adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range, where the military does active missile testing. White Sands is open daily except for Christmas and

or RVs are permitted. Campers must register with the park ranger and be prepared when there is missile testing in progress. Check the website, nps.gov/whsa, when planning your trip to make sure testing isn’t in progress. During Winter months the monument may close if road conditions cause unsafe travel. Hours of operation vary by day and season, so, again, check the website Additional information including activity fees, current weather forecast, monument and monument closing also can be found at the website.

to hike with their gear at least a mile to the campsite.