275sq mi of snowy white sand dunes wedged between the San Andres Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert make White Sands a truly remarkable sight. Start your visit by watching the film at the Visitor Center, which explains how plants and animals have adapted to this environment. Then follow the road for a better understanding of these gypsum dunes or, better still, take a hike along the Alkali Flat Trail which passes over several sand dunes - a demanding but magical experience.