Few states can match the diversity of New Mexico's landscape. Contrasting state regions range from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the arid plains of the south. Cultural differences are seen when comparing Albuquerque's city life to the two dozen Native Tribe pueblo villages and reservations. The land is also influenced by past volcanic periods seen at Shiprock Peak, El Malpais and Valle Grande. The White Sands National Monument, located at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert, exhibits the world's largest deposit of gypsum. These sand dunes, nearby Alamogordo, spread out over 275 square miles and are thought to be remnants of an ancient sea that has long since evaporated. Gypsum is a mineral of which plaster and other similar building materials are composed. With no outlet to the sea, the water-soluble gypsum remains trapped in the Tularosa Basin.
From the park's visitor center, the dunes drive leads along an eight mile road amid the famous white sands. Only the top layer of the gypsum dunes is found in loose, powdery grains. The hardened underlying plaster of Paris material makes for an easy hike in and around the monument dunes. Visitors find the sand stays relatively cool to the feet, even in the hot, summer sun.