White Sands National Park

Hello from White Sands!

Wow—this place deserves a top spot on your bucket list. We only passed through (cats on board and a mission to make it to Albuquerque!), but even in that short visit, White Sands left us completely awestruck.

My dad and I agreed it’s the kind of place you want to visit, camp chair in hand, and just exist in for a while. The endless dunes of gypsum are unbelievable to see in front of you. It’s mesmerizing to see how the wind constantly reshaped and continues to reshape them, making the landscape feel alive and ever-changing.

On our drive there, my dad told me about something fascinating—researcher Graham Hancock and the discovery of ancient human footprints at White Sands. While Hancock popularizes alternative theories about human history, the real science here is just as mind-blowing. In 2021, scientists announced that fossilized footprints found in the park date back over 21,000 years, suggesting that humans were present in North America much earlier than previously believed. Even more incredible? Some of those tracks appear alongside footprints from giant ground sloths, and the patterns suggest possible interactions—maybe even a chase. I definitely recommend looking into this more! It is so interesting!

Looking out across the dunes, it’s surreal to think that beneath your feet lie traces of prehistoric life that could rewrite what we know about early humans in the Americas. I don’t think I’ve ever been in such awe of a place before.

We drove in via Cloudcroft, a charming little mountain town with definite old Western vibes. There was a BBQ joint right by the gas station with a line at least 50 people deep—clearly the place to be. I’d love to go back and spend more time exploring the area, though it’s still a bit of a drive from the actual park.

Since we didn’t get to stay long, I don’t have too many more details to share—but seriously, put White Sands at the top of your list. Bring a comfortable chair and a saucer or sled if you go—you’ll want to glide down those dunes like a kid again.

Gotta empty the tanks, 

Kat

PS: I was curious so thought you might be! Here is a very quick history of White Sands:

White Sands National Park the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Formed over thousands of years, these white dunes were shaped by the evaporation of an ancient lake and the relentless winds of the Tularosa Basin. The area has a rich history, with evidence of prehistoric hunter-gatherers dating back over 10,000 years. Designated a national monument in 1933 and upgraded to a national park in 2019, White Sands is a natural wonder with a deep cultural and scientific legacy.