What comes to mind when most people picture Texas is acres of green pastures with grazing cows (and maybe a few cowboys) – certainly not sprawling deserts reminiscent of Africa or the Middle East. That’s what makes this state park so special and a must-visit for every resident of the Lone Star State.
Deep in the West Texas desert is a state park unlike any other: Monahans Sandhills, a sprawling 800 acres of desolate sand dunes.
Flickr/davehensley
It’s reminiscent of the Sahara Desert yet is right here in our state, so you can experience the phenomenon without even leaving home.
Flickr/tristanseifert
As you gaze out in front of you, you’ll be met with sprawling white sand dunes as far as the eye can see.
Flickr/awsheffield
Visitors can camp, hike, picnic, horseback ride, and birdwatch from observation areas overlooking oases in the middle of the dry landscape.
Flickr/aneyefortexas
One of the most popular activities at Monahans Sandhills is sand surfing. It’s what it sounds like - you sit on a metal disk and slide down the dunes!
Flickr/davehensley
Even if you aren’t much of a thrill-seeker, everyone can appreciate this breathtaking view that looks more like Ancient Egypt than Texas.
Flickr/aneyefortexas
I highly recommend staying overnight so you can marvel at the glorious sunrises and sunsets unadulterated by pollution or city lights.
Flickr/apperceive
Flickr/lance_mountain
Flickr/lance_mountain
Flickr/Jason Priem
Have you ever been to Monahans Sandhills? What about any of these state parks in Texas? Which one is your favorite?
Flickr/davehensley
Flickr/tristanseifert
Flickr/awsheffield
Flickr/aneyefortexas
Flickr/apperceive
Flickr/lance_mountain
Flickr/Jason Priem
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
