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White Sands National Monument near Las Cruces, New Mexico is a relatively small area -- in comparison to the White Sands Missile Range -- which has been reserved and protected by the government for public use.

The monument is quite large actually and you can immerse yourself within countless dunes and valleys of tiny white gypsum crystals. Or you can bring your snow sled and slide down the sides of the steeper dunes.

This is a wonderful place to watch the stars at night since the closest city lights are of Alamogordo and Las Cruces -- both far enough to allow for a spectacular sky full of planets, stars and comets.