Dunes for Days

I found myself in a vast expanse of sand dunes in southeast New Mexico, called the Mescalero. The dunes are unique because unlike most other sand dunes, the sand here is gypsum, giving it a unique texture and shimmer when the sun strikes it. The dunes themselves are massive, some reaching up to 60 feet. The area is also known for its unique plant life that thrive in this gypsum soil. I compared this place to the White Sands National Monument and found the Mescalero Sand Dunes to be more secluded and less crowded. The experience was different because of the unique texture of the sand. I also learned that gypsum dunes are rare and only found in a few places around the world.