Sledding at White Sands National Monument

Video and music credit: Mark Milian / Los Angeles Times

The stretch of land in the middle of New Mexico that is White Sands National Monument is situated next to a missile range (comforting, I know). Buried behind a $3-per-person toll collector is an incredible sight. Expansive, white dunes roll on for miles. By appearances, you'd think you were in snow-covered Alaska -- until you step out of your car and feel the sweltering heat.