White Sands National Park

This is a fairly new National Park. I have not been but I've added it to the list. Report back with photo's if you stop!

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One is in New Mexico; One is in Colorado

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I saw that.
Here's what the Google came up with:

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Great Sand Dunes are much higher in feet from bottom to top, but smaller in area than White Sands. Both have impressive mountain backdrops to boot. If you can do both, I would. If you can only do one, (and especially if you have kids) I would go with White Sands. The dunes cover a vast area, but are only 40-60ft. high. They are great for "sledding," and sleds are available at the Visitor's Center. You can save some money by getting a few folded, cardboard boxes, and use them for sleds.

The "big" dune in the center of Great Sand Dunes is hundreds of feet high, and although climbable, it would require one to be in very good physical condition...especially considering the altitude around Alamosa, CO. It was too much for me to attempt in my late 50's.

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In the middle of Summer, we say Great Sand Dunes
In the late-Spring and early-Fall, go for White Sands
Are you an extreme sport aficionado? Great Sand Dunes is your jam
Would you prefer a day walking a trail through the dunes? White Sands has your name written all over it.
Really to be perfectly honest, you can not go wrong either way. Both of these places are natural wonders, and you should see them both!

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Definitely worth it, just be aware that you can experience the entire park in a couple of hours. And it appears to be very crowded since the NP designation and COVID bump in domestic travel. I have seen some recent videos that look like a Popeye's drive thru line as cars drive thru the park.

Tips:
1. Get there around 2-3 hours before sunset.

2. Break open the wallet for a couple of plastic sleds. They are overpriced, and you don't go very fast, but if you find some steep dunes it is fun for about 20 minutes. Kids, and kids at heart will enjoy it.

3. Bring a couple of litres of water per person, and have some backup water in the car.

4. Don't just stick to the touristy/crowded dunes by the parking lot. If you venture a few hundred yards in you will have the place to yourself and "fresh powder".

5. If you are the type to appreciate sunsets or photography, the golden hour in the middle of the dunes with nobody around is magical.

6. You will have gypsum particles in your car/shoes/bags permanently, the sand is very fine.

7. If you are making the trip to White Sands you will probably also visit Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains NPs since they are nearby. An annual park pass is $80, almost pays for itself if you hit these three then you can basically visit any other park for free over the next 12 months.