Sunset, White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

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White gypsum sand dunes engulf 275 square miles of New Mexico's desert forming the largest gypsum dune field on earth. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion, but not all, of these unique dunes. The soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) shown in the image is common throughout the monument. Sunset is a beautiful time in White Sands. The evening sun dips behind mountains to the west, leaving the white sand in total shade while continuing to illuminate the sky.