Sand that Looks Like Snow

Soft Sand sign at White Sands National Monument

This sign on the loop road through the White Sands National Monument warns drivers about the edges of the paved portions of the road. The pavement actually ends not far from this point, photographed in May 2004, and the rest of the road is graded sand. The sand is white gypsum, and often gives the illusion of a snowy landscape, even in warm weather.