Luxe Beat Magazine APRIL 2015 | Page 89

Travel largest solar observatories in the world, with a visitor and learning center focusing on solar activity o r ation o n th mo ntain in amo or o yo n a Ran h Pistachio Farm, a family owned and o rat in that off r r tours of its facility and operations plant. There’s also the International Space Hall of Fame, the Tombaugh Omnimax Space Theater and Planetarium, the Astronaut Memorial Garden, Air and Space Park and a Shuttle Camp – all features of the city’s well-known Space Center. A highlight of any stay in the Cloudcroft area is a trip to White Sands National Monument, one of the world’s great natural wonders. Massive wave-like dunes of gypsum sand cover nearly 300 square miles of desert, creating the largest y m n on th an t The brilliant white dunes are ever changing. They grow, crest, then slump, but always advance. Slowly, but relentlessly, the sand, with the help of strong southwest winds, covers everything in its path. Only a few species of plants have adapted successfully to the harsh environmental conditions. They are able to survive by growing rapidly in or r to n off ria y th moving dunes, while the small animals in existence have evolved hit o oration to amo a them in the gypsum sand. Most visitors to White Sands stop at the historic adobe visitor center to get their bearings. There is a good ori ntation m a on ith ra You can also purchase a disc sled in the gift shop if you plan on sliding down the dunes. Make sure you also get some wax to help make your nt a i r Th n ri leads from the visitor center eight miles into the heart of the dunes. Wayside exhibits interpret the geology and natural history of the sands. Make sure to get out of your car and hike one of the several marked trails to explore the dunes on foot. You also have the option of taking a ranger-led walk. And if you’ve timed your visit during a full moon, you’ll be able to participate in a variety of special programs, including full moon hikes and bike rides through the monument (registration necessary), along with opportunities to listen to live music while you sit back and enjoy the unique beauty of this magical environment. If you go www.TheLodgeResort.com www.cloudcroft.com hit an ationa on m nt www.nps.gov/whsa 89