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Holloman AFB, New Mexico
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The park's 275 square miles of glistening white sands are composed entirely of gypsum crystals, a rarity since gypsum is soluble in water and usually doesn't form sand.
The dunes are made of gypsum, which is a mineral that reflects sunlight, giving the sand its bright white appearance.
Millions of years ago, the area was covered by a shallow sea, which left behind gypsum deposits as it evaporated.
The park offers stunning views of the night sky, free from light pollution, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.
Its unique landscape has been featured in movies like "Transformers" and "The Book of Eli."
The park is home to several species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment, including the bleached earless lizard, which has evolved to blend in with the white sand.
It was officially designated as a national park in December 2019, after being a national monument since 1933.
The White Sands Missile Range occasionally conducts tests that can temporarily close parts of the park to visitors.
