There’s something starkly mythic about the deserts of the American Southwest – especially White Sands National Monument. The expansive 275-mile park was just named one of the best family-friendly parks in the land by Open Road Travel Guides.
The park is sited some 45 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico along Highway 70. If you’re in search of solitude, this is the place. You can think out here, center yourself and not be distracted by the workaday world that so consumes us. Vistas go on seemingly forever out in the desert. Explore the dune fields, and see desert-dwelling plants and animals. Especially popular are the park’s Full Moon Nights, suffused with live music and educational programs.
A word of caution: you want to be prepared before you hike out here. The temperatures in the day are nothing to fool around with, and the nights can get downright cold. This is the deep desert. Be sure to check with Park Rangers before heading out. Give them a call at 1-575-679-2599. Immersing yourself in White Sands is no mere walk in the park.
This Cheapflights reporter recently flew one way to the region and drove back the other. Next time I’ll fly roundtrip. The distances are immense, and drive times daunting. Among the nearest major airports to White Sands are El Paso International and Albuquerque International Sunport. Discount airline Southwest has frequent service from a slew of cities to both. Best bet is to fly into either, rent a car and then wind your way to White Sands.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Stephen Hanafin)
