Otherworldly landscapes can be found in all corners of Texas, but none quite compare to Monahans Sandhills State Park. With towering dunes as far as the eye can see, this little-known spot deep in the West Texas desert looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Continue reading to learn more about this crown jewel of the Lone Star State; we’ve got everything from Monahans Sandhills State Park photos to information about the best time to visit Monahans Sandhills State Park. Adventures await!

Spanning nearly 3,000 acres, Monahans Sandhills State Park is part of the sprawling Llano Estacado region in West Texas. Although much of the land is private property, it has been open to the public since 1957.
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
The park is most notable for its lofty sand dunes that tower up to 70 feet high. Consisting of almost 100 percent pure quartz, the dunes change size and shape as the wind shifts directions. It's like an entirely different park each season!
DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images
You won't find any marked trails, which means the vast terrain is all yours to explore. Keep an eye out for the plethora of unique wildlife and vegetation that, surprisingly, flourish in such a hostile environment.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Easily the most popular activity at the park is sand surfing. Just grab a disk from the headquarters, and you'll be soaring down the dunes in no time. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, all ages are guaranteed to have a blast.
Trevor Huxham / flickr

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Come for the sand, stay for the sunsets. Twenty-six campsites, all with water, electricity, and shade shelters, allow visitors to extend their stay overnight. There's just a certain undeniable magic about West Texas at dusk.
Erin / flickr
Another perk of camping out is waking up to a spellbinding sunrise over the dunes. Their majestic peaks are illuminated in an ethereal glow that looks like a scene from Disney's Aladdin.
Wikimedia Commons/Wing-Chi Poon
Guests can also enjoy an 800-acre equestrian area in addition to a small museum in the Visitor Center, which details the flora, fauna, and human history of the park. There's something for everyone here!
Diann Bayes / flickr
While the park is absolutely picture-perfect year-round, it's also true that spring and fall are some of the most picturesque times to visit Monahans Sandhills State Park.
Alexander Hatley / flickr
Curious to see what makes this park so special? Check out the brief YouTube footage below, courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife, and prepare to be absolutely amazed!

Curious to learn more? You can visit the official Monahans State Park website for additional details, including fees, amenities, and directions.

Have you ever been to Monahans Sandhills State Park? If so, let us know all about your experience in the comments below — we would absolutely love to hear from you! Check out our previous article for more otherworldly sand dunes in Texas.

And, if you’re in need of a home base while exploring all that this beautiful region has to offer, be sure to browse this list of places to stay near Llano Estacado, Texas.

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More to Explore

Best Parks In Texas

Beth C. | November 28, 2023

What are the most beautiful state parks to visit in Texas?

Texas is a vast state with no shortage of stunning natural landscapes to explore. Find the best of them when you check out our list of the most beautiful state parks to visit in Texas:

  • Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City)
  • Davis Mountains State Park (Fort Davis)
  • Franklin Mountains State Park (El Paso)
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon)
  • Caprock Canyons State Park (Quitaque)
  • Big Bend Ranch State Park (Presidio)
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg)
  • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Comstock)
  • Monahans Sandhills State Park (Monahans)
  • Garner State Park (Concan)
  • Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose)
  • Colorado Bend State Park (Bend)
  • Inks Lake State Park (Burnet)
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool)
  • Caddo Lake State Park (Karnack)
  • Lake Mineral Wells State Park (Mineral Wells)
  • Village Creek State Park (Lumberton)
  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park (Mission)

 

So many Texas parks to visit, so little time! If you're curious to learn more about the destinations listed above, be sure to check out our full list of some of the best state parks to visit in Texas. There really is something on the list for everyone!

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Featured Addresses
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756, USA