White Sands National Monument is located in the state of New Mexico about 87 km north-east of the city of Las Cruses. The monument is about 710 km² and consists of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. This dune field is the largest on earth of its kind. The area surrounding the monument is in military use as White Sands Missile Range. The consequence is that every now and then, the area is closed for public during missile testing. The sand of the dunes is almost white and at sunny days, as is usual, eyes are blinded by the reflecting light.

Rijko