I had to some training in Carlsbad NM earlier this week. Since it didn’t cost anything to fly in a day early, and I had some money set aside for a travel adventure I decided it was time to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It was a beautiful big sky day in west Texas when I set off on my adventure. I was excited for that part of the journey, and became even more so when I realized there was a lot of neat places to explore between the Midland International Airport and Carlsbad, New Mexico.
The first stop on the trip to Carlsbad was Monahans Sandhills State Park and Museum located just east of Monahans, Texas on I-10. The Monahans Sandhills extend from the New Mexico border to 200 miles south of the park. The state park itself is 3000 acres and features a nice museum and several examples of Chihuahaun Desert flora. Just a small portion of the park is developed. The rest of the park is left in its natural state. However, the rangers do not recommend that you leave the road because you’ll more than likely get stuck.
Some of the vegetation around the museum building:
There was a part of me that wanted to try sand sliding (thinking sledding on sand) but there was no one around to witness this feat and to take a picture of it. And honestly, there’s a part me that felt guilty about sledding down the dunes. I felt like doing that would be destructive.
Most of the dunes in the area are stablized with vegatation. It starts with flowers and small plants and as they get more established, you’ll see shrubs and grasses growing in the dune.
Flowers in the Dunes
The Dunes themselves are pretty amazing. This one is looking back towards the camping area. The dunes are as tall or taller than the shower facility.
And here’s a picture from the top of dune:
I left the state park and headed to Monahans for lunch. I found this fabulous sign for an abandoned motel on the way into Monahans.
I had lunch at Howard’s Drive-inn in Monahans. The burger was great and the crinkle cut fries hot and crispy.
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These are great! I especially love the colors in the very first one. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jennifer
[...] Puffer presents: Between Midland and Carlsbad ? Part 1 posted at Don’t Be a Picklebump, saying, “Some of the places I found when travelling [...]
Howdy!
Beautiful photos. I think the first one is my favorite… though the top of that sand dune is pretty unreal too.
I also wanted to say thanks again for submitting to the Traveler’s Show & Tell blog carnival, and also congratulations! Your article has been hand-selected and was included in the latest edition which was published today!
If you could retweet, stumble, or like this edition of the blog carnival, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks again and looking forward to your submissions next time!