Next time I visit White Sand Dunes Nat'l Monument...

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. 

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Trip Report Details:

• We camped for free on military land just a few miles away from the gate to the park. It was a BEAUTIFUL campsite that overlooked a lake!

• Information about the park, backcountry permits and whatever else you will need to know is here​.
• Permits for backcountry camping are restricted to ten permits per day because there are only ten backcountry campsites available. The monument will not issue a permit late in the afternoons in order to prevent hikers from getting disoriented and lost in the dunes in the dark. Check out permit cut-off times here.​
  
• Horses are not allowed at the backcountry camping sites.
• Bring a map and compass while hiking because GPS signal is unreliable in the area and it is easy to become disoriented in the dunes.
• The monument closes on days that the military base is testing missiles. Be sure to check online for closure dates before planning your trip. ​