Last weekend, we drove from El Paso, Texas to Alamogordo, New Mexico and then onto White Sands National Monument to celebrate Ash and Jared’s (Sugar & Cloth) wedding. It was a super short trip, so I didn’t get to do a ton of exploring, BUT I still have a decent amount of photos to show for it, considering.
BTW – this is our official February trip for the 12 trips in 12 months project. Have you ever been to New Mexico?
I was hoping that Jeff and I would have time to visit Santa Fe or Albuquerque after the wedding festivities were over, but we didn’t want to leave Luna and Franz for too long and we’re trying to stretch Jeff’s days off from work as much as we can with all of these trips. So, we headed back early and hope to go back to NM later this year.
When we do go back, I definitely would love to go to White Sands again. It was seriously like another world out there. I think Ash described it as being on the moon. It was just miles and miles and miles of white sand, in the middle of nowhere. And it was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. Whenever they post the photos on Sugar & Cloth, you’ll DEFINITELY want to check it out.
Aside from White Sands, we didn’t do too much exploring, like I said. So I can’t really share a travel guide from this trip. BUT I do have photos (most of them were shot on my phone, but I have some)! Here are a handful of my favorites…
Have you ever been to New Mexico? Next time I’m there, what should I check out?!
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[…] White Sands, New Mexico: This was a quick trip to celebrate the wedding of our dear friends Ashley and Jared from Sugar and Cloth. They were married in White Sands and Jeff officiated their wedding. If you’ve never been to White Sands, I highly recommend it…I’ve never seen anything like it before or since. Just a completely magical place. […]
Totally Trippin': 12 Trips in 12 Months (Now Updated with All the Trips from the Entire Year) - Paper and StitchBeautiful shots. We would love to go camping at White Sands. There are just a few campsites, but it’s safe and I hear absolutely amazing during the night. We live in the area and are waiting for my youngest to be a year older before we do.
YeniaI just moved to NM from Ohio last year. I actually just live about 100 miles from White Sands and have been there about 5 times over the last 18 months. Three of my other favorite places are Riverbend Spa and Resort in Truth or Consequences, NM, Valley of Fires National Recreation Area in Carrizozo, NM, and Carlsbad Caverns in Carlsbad, NM. Santa Fe and Albuquerque are neat, but I prefer less crowded spots and being out in nature. Also, I would HIGHLY recommend exploring southeastern Utah.
Jared FarleyDefinitely spend time in Carlsbad Caverns the next time you’re in New Mexico. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. But be sure to pack your own lunch – once you get to the food court, you’ll understand why.
RebeccaYes, White Sands is awesome. Check their website for fun adventures there: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
Becky HournbuckleAlso, since you will see so much white, you might want to go north on Hwy 54 out of Alamogorgo to Carrizozo, go west and see the “Valley of Fires” black lava flow. It almost joins the northern end of white sands, so it is pretty amazing. http://www.americansouthwest.net/new_mexico/valley_of_fires/recreation_area.html
There are so many places to see. Drive up Hwy 82 from Alamogordo to Cloudcroft and see the amazing geologic changes. Hike on any of the trails, but the Osha and Switchback Trails just outside Cloudcroft are two I’ve hiked. We live in Cloudcroft.
Hope you enjoy every minute. We have elk, several varieties of deer, gray Mexican wolf, black bears, squirrels, lots of flyover birds stop in the area. We love to watch on our trips to see what wildlife, if any, we will see.
We road tripped through this are over Spring break this year. Your pictures capture it perfectly!
MarcI live in Taos, NM. It is beautiful and everyone should visit!
SarahIt looks so mesmerizing! I’d love to see the southwest some day.
Gabi Valladares | By GabriellaI have not been to New Mexico just yet! But it’s high on my list, particularly White Sands. I’ve been traveling a lot too! Just mostly staying on travel instead of coming home 🙂
-Jade
Jadehttps://www.jadesouk.com
Thanks Indya. Its definitely a lot of travel, but we’re looking forward to it.
BrittniWow, 12 trips in 12 months is extreme, but how exciting and fun! I hope I’m in the position where I can do something similar one day. I’m confident that I’ll get there. I look forward to reading about your next 10 trips! 🙂
http://www.thesmalladventurer.blogspot.com.au/
Indya | TheSmallAdventurerThanks Michelle and Natalie. It was a fun trip, for sure!
BrittniWow! This looks like the perfect spring getaway, so so gorgeous
– Natalie
Nataliewww.workovereasy.com
Looks like a wonderful place!
Michellehttps://www.makeandmess.com/
Great Amy. Whenever I go back, I know who to talk to about it. 🙂
BrittniWe lived in Albuquerque, NM for 10 years and will be moving back there in about 6 months. Honestly, if you want any trip advice, I would be more than happy to share fun spots… it’s a crazy state but there is a ton of cool stuff to check out!
Amy | Delineate Your DwellingCompletely agree with you Sophie. It really is the best!
BrittniWhite Sands is the best. I went there in Summer 2014 and had the greatest time. I need to go back.
SophieThanks so much for the recs! Definitely visit White Sands next time, Heidi. It’s INCREDIBLE. I’ve really never seen anything like it. 🙂
BrittniBeautiful photos! I haven’t had the chance to visit White Sands yet, but my husband’s family is from New Mexico so we have been there several times. My favorites are the tram ride in Albuquerque, which is spectacular, and lunch at La Posta (with exotic birds and tropical fish) in Old Mesilla, Las Cruces -with a bit of shopping in the square after that.
Heidiwww.windlasse.com
Thanks Antonella. It was such a fun trip. Wish we would have had more time to explore…but definitely next time!
BrittniLooks SO beautiful. My favourite place to travel is the south-west, however I haven’t been to NM yet. Thanks for sharing!
Antonella | White House Crafts