Photographed in the White Sands National Monument near Alamagordo, New Mexico

Late December
Nikkor 24 mm lens
 

To photograph the sand dunes at sunrise, stay overnight in the backcountry camp at White Sands (note: the temperature often drops below freezing at night starting in late November). 

Next best: visit any time from December 20 through January 25 and get in line early. The sun rises just after opening time.  The week before daylight savings times changes in October is even better.  The ranger may also let you in early by special arrangement.