White Sands National Monument in New Mexico

White Sands National Monument in New Mexico

Shady spots are hard to come by in the arid landscape of New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument. These shelters in the rest area provide a bit of relief from the heat, especially in summer. This strange landscape isn’t a wasteland of gypsum dunes—like many desert areas. It’s teeming with flora and fauna if you know where to look. Aside from the birds and mammals, White Sands is home to a variety of insects, reptiles, and even amphibians.