White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument is just past Alamogordo to the south west.

 It's a beautiful place and really a natural work of art... It get's pretty toasty out there in the afternoon so you are best to make this your first stop in the day and then work your way back across Alamogordo toward the cool mountain air of Ruidoso.

 For kids (and adults too!) it's a great place for some sand surfing!   And of course great photo opportunities.  I have seen some beautiful sunset photos that were taken there~

Here's a view of White Sands from space... notice the mountain range to the far right?  Ruidoso is just up to the NW where you can see some snow on the mountains.
The black river/lake looking streak above and between the two is another area I will highlight in a future post.  It is the Malpais Lava Flow aka. Valley of Fires.