West Texas Wonders: Monahans Sandhills

Have you ever stumbled upon something that seemed SO out of place, but yet so intriguing? I experienced this recently as I headed west for road trip through Texas. When it comes to west Texas, most people only talk about Big Bend or Marfa – but the real hidden gem is the Monahans Sandhills state park.

Are we at a beach? Are we in the desert? WHERE ARE WE?!

What Are The Monahans Sandhills:

While the Monahans Sandhills are often confused as the desert, they are actually sand dunes up to 70 feet high! The state park is made up of 4,000 acres of sand in Texas, and watching the sand blow across the dunes is a beautiful experience.

How To Get There:

The Monahans Sandhills state park is about a six hour drive from Dallas. Since we were en route to Marfa, it was quick and easy to pull off the highway and stop by for a visit – plus it was a fun way to break up our drive! If you’re not traveling from Dallas, the state park is about 30 minutes past Odessa or less than two hours from Marfa.

What To Do:

Like any other state park, there are tons of outdoor activities to enjoy from hiking to horseback riding. The entry fee to the park is only $4, and you pay inside the welcome center – which is also where you rent disks, reserve camping spots, etc. We rented sand disks and spent our time sledding down the Sandhills. It was SO much fun, especially since it was the LAST thing we’d ever expect to do/find in Texas!  (Note: don’t forget to wax your disk, otherwise you’ll slide at the speed of a turtle – learned from experience)

Also if you enjoy photography, this is the perfect place to visit. I can’t wait to come back and spend more time here to capture some unique shots!

What To Wear:

As beautiful as the sandhills are, the sand blowing in the wind actually starts to sting after a bit – so I recommend wearing a pair of jeans to cover your legs. Also, pack a pair of sneakers to wear in the sand, or better yet go barefoot. My heeled booties make the trek a bit more difficult, plus they were filled to the brim with sand by the time we left.

Plan A Visit: 

If you love camping like I do, pack a tent and head to the Monahans for a weekend. If camping is not your cup of tea, be sure to factor in a quick stop along your next road trip! There was something so peaceful and beautiful about the Monahans Sandhills, and I can’t wait to come back and explore!