White Sands National Park is filled with surprises. People are often surprised by how different the sand feels here when compared to other sandy environments they’ve visited. The sand here is composed of gypsum. Gypsum is one of the softest minerals, causing the sand to be exceptionally soft and soothing to the touch. Additionally, because the sand is a glistening white, the sand never gets hot! Even on the hottest summer days, the sand will reflect most of the heat that reaches it, making it nearly always pleasant to walk barefoot. What’s your favorite memory of White Sands? Image description: Zoomed in view showcasing multiple sparkly-white gypsum sand grains.