White Sands National Park in New Mexico was previously a national monument until 2019. It is home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world, created by the dried-up Lake Otero. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sledding, and camping amongst pristine white sand dunes. The park offers spectacular views at different times of the day, with stunning sunrises, sunsets, and night skies.
There is a 23,000-year-old human history in the park, with Ice Age fossilized footprints of mammals like humans, saber-toothed tigers, and mammoths. It costs $25 for one vehicle to enter the park, with an eight-mile scenic drive along Dunes Drive. Visitors can walk barefoot in certain areas depending on the time of year.
Several major movies, including “Transformers” and “Book of Eli,” have been filmed in White Sands National Park. The park consults with Native American tribes and pueblos across the Southwest to learn about ancient human trackways preserved in the area.
White Sands National Park offers a unique experience where visitors can feel like they are on another planet. The park’s special beauty, history, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination in the USA.
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