White Sands National Monument

White Sands is truly a wonder of nature. Nowhere else on the planet does this type of geological formation exist. The origin of the white sand is Lake Lucero, at the base of the San Andres Mountains. Seasonal rains fill the ancient playa lake bed. As the water evaporates, the fine gypsum sediments dry and are blown downwind. In this manner, the vast gypsum dunes are slowly advancing further south and east. If you're looking for a new perspective…this is it!