Photo captured by Brad Mickelson
I've never been to sand dunes before. In a perfect world, I envisioned my visit to the sand dunes via horseback. Imagine the movies where you see people riding gorgeous Arabian horses, chasing evil mummies and killing the bad guys-that's what I imagined myself doing. Then I would do some vaulting on the horse in the sand and it would be amazing (I am aware I sound like a crazy horse-lady.)
On January 19th, 2018, I did the next best thing, which was visiting White Sand Dunes National Monument in New Mexico. Brad and I decided to hit the park right at sunrise so that we could get some amazing photos.
We were waiting at the gate so that we would be one of the first people in the area. Once we got through, we quickly drove to the best place we could find to get the shots we wanted. If we were to do it again we would visit the park close to December 21st (the winter equinox), or perhaps on fall daylight savings because we missed a good chunk of superb lighting while we were waiting for the gates to open. 
Photo captured by Brad Mickelson
Photo captured by Brad Mickelson
However, horseback riding and camping overnight in the dunes is permitted! So if I'm being frank, the next time I visit White Sand Dunes National Monument I will be on horseback. Then I will camp out in the dunes. Adventure for next fall? I think YES!
Another fun activity we could have done at the dunes was sledding or sand skiing or boarding. Maybe I'll add skijoring to the adventure list for next time, as well.
And if you're planning on stealing my ideas, the very least thing you should absolutely, positively do is invite me. Trip Report Details:
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