One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering how quickly the world can change. In just a couple of hours, we went from rugged mountain trails to towering white sand dunes. It’s hard to believe landscapes so dramatically different can exist so close together.
For this national park adventure, we rented a cabin in Cloudcroft, and I completely fell in love with the little mountain town. At nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, the elevation was no joke. We definitely noticed ourselves slowing down, but honestly, it fit the pace of Cloudcroft perfectly. Nobody seemed to be in a hurry. People smiled as they passed by, shop owners welcomed us like old friends, and even dinner came with a memorable conversation with the local doctor. It’s one of those places where everyone seems to know everyone, and visitors are simply folded into the community for a little while. The town itself has a quirky personality that made wandering around just as enjoyable as any planned activity. We spent time exploring the local shops, and I finally picked out my own piece of New Mexico turquoise, a souvenir that feels special and sacred.
Our cabin turned out to be just as memorable. After the sun went down, I stepped outside with my camera and was treated to a sky full of stars framed by the tall pines surrounding the cabin. Sometimes you don’t have to go anywhere to find something beautiful. You just have to look up.
The wildlife didn’t disappoint either. Deer seemed to be everywhere, casually wandering through town and along the roads as if they owned the place. Then, as if New Mexico wanted to give us one more surprise, we were greeted by a friendly elk who didn’t seem the least bit concerned that we were stopping to admire her.
Eventually, it was time to see what White Sands National Park was all about.
At first glance, it seems…well…like a whole lot of sand. And technically, it is. But it’s unlike any sand I’ve ever experienced. Made from gypsum instead of quartz, it was incredibly soft beneath our feet and surprisingly cool to the touch, even under the bright New Mexico sun. Walking barefoot across the dunes was one of those simple moments that ended up being unexpectedly memorable.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without renting sleds. After giving them a good coat of wax, the boys spent what felt like hours racing down the dunes, hiking back up, and doing it all over again. Their laughter echoed across the landscape, and watching them enjoy something so simple reminded me that some of the best family memories don’t require elaborate plans.
Standing in the middle of those endless white dunes felt almost surreal. Everywhere you looked was white. No landmarks. No trees. Just wave after wave of brilliant gypsum stretching toward the horizon. It was quiet, peaceful, and unlike anywhere I’ve ever been.
Before heading home to Texas, we made one final stop in Roswell. How could we not? We embraced every bit of the town’s alien obsession, spent some time wandering through the International UFO Museum, and brushed up on our extraterrestrial lore. Was it a little hokey? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Also absolutely. Mostly because I had the best roadside burrito of my life.
Looking back, this trip wasn’t really about checking national parks off a list. It was about experiencing places that each had their own personality. Carlsbad inspired awe. Guadalupe Mountains brought peace. Cloudcroft felt like home for a few days. White Sands reminded us that nature can still surprise us. And Roswell…well, Roswell reminded us not to take life too seriously. Those are the trips I remember the longest.
Until next time,
