The Death Valley National Park, California, attracts many visitors every year for several reasons. One of those reasons, especially for first-time visitors, is the sand dunes in Death Valley. These dunes were formed from millions of years of weather, erosion, and winds. They make up less than one percent of the park but have become a huge tourist attraction.
From Eureka Dunes to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, there are five dune areas in Death Valley National Park. Other lesser sought out dunes include the Saline Valley Dunes, Panamint Dunes, and Ibex Dunes.
Preparing for your Visit
Keep in mind that you’re going to do a lot of driving while preparing for your trip to Death Valley National Park because it covers a vast area. Ensure that your car is in excellent condition for all the driving you’re going to do or make provisions for a vehicle if you do not own a car.
Private vehicles are required to pay an entrance fee of $30, valid for seven days. Alternatively, you can get the annual pass which grants you access to all national parks in America and cost $80.
What to Bring Along
Death Valley is in a desert area and the hottest place in all of North America. The one vital thing you’ll need on this trip is water and lots of it. Dehydration can quickly become a problem if you do not pack enough water to last you for the trip. You’ll also need to pack lots of food to refuel. Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunshades are non-negotiable on this trip.
What to Wear to the Sand Dunes in Death Valley
Light clothing is more suitable for the heat in Death Valley. Protective clothing like long sleeves and trousers is also advisable for your time in Death Valley. For shoes, go with something sturdy that is suitable for long walks and some climbing.
Best Time to Visit the Sand Dunes In Death Valley National Park
The best time to visit Death Valley National Park is between March to April in the spring. Temperatures are cooler, and you have the added advantage of catching the famous wildflowers at the park in full bloom. On the flip side, accommodation is hard to find, but there are cool spots to camp in Death valley.
Sand Dunes to Visit in Death Valley
There are five sand dunes in Death Valley, and each of them has unique features. These dunes are formed by wind collecting sand and dumping the sand in washes and eroded canyons. The dunes have distinct shapes. There are star-shaped dunes which are the tallest dunes in the world. There are linear dunes which are the longest and have ridges that can go on for miles. Then there are crescent dunes which are the most common dunes and are usually wider.
Sledding, sand skiing, and sandboarding are allowed on some dunes. At the same time, some have been closed to these activities to protect sensitive endemic flora, fauna, and other plant species that are federally listed.
Eureka Dunes
Lying in the remote Eureka Valley, Eureka Dunes is one of the newest dunes in Death Valley. It is an enclosed basin that has a 3,000-foot elevation.
Eureka Dunes is three miles long and one mile wide, but at over 680 feet, it is the highest dune in California. The only thing taller than the Eureka Sand Dunes in Death Valley is the limestone wall of Last Chance Mountains which stands at 4,000 feet above the valley floor.
Using most standard vehicles, you can access Eureka Dunes via the Death Valley/Big Pine Road. The road goes on for 28 miles on a paved road and 21 miles on a dirt road from Big Pine. From Ubehebe Crater Road, it’s 44 miles of graded dirt road. The narrow South Eureka Road makes up the last 10 miles of both routes.
There are several things of interest to see at Eureka Dunes, including wildlife like coyotes and the rare plant life which can be found here. The magnificent view from the top of the dune seems to be the most satisfying of all the sights.
The climb is challenging due to loose sand, but the view at the top makes it worth it. If you are lucky, you might get to experience the singing sand phenomenon caused by sand launching down the steep face of the highest dune. It occurs when the sand is totally dry and sounds like the bass note of a pipe organ.
Sandboarding is not allowed on Eureka Dunes. Services and water are also unavailable along this route, so come prepared with enough water and everything you’ll need on your trip. Also, note that Eureka Dunes can be closed or grand limited access during bad weather.
Ibex Dunes
Unlike the Eureka Dunes, the Ibex Dune field is not immediately visible as rocky desert hills shield them. Though you may notice them from Saratoga Springs, hike about one mile from Saratoga Springs Road to access them.
On the east side of these dunes, you’ll find the Saddle Peak Hills and an old talc mine at the base of the hill overlooking the dunes. This dune field has a series of small dunes stretching for miles, with the tallest dune in the southern part. Another unique feature is the cracked ground of an ancient lakebed. It is the second most visited dune in Death Valley National Park.
To access the Ibex Dune field, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle. You’ll find a parking lot about eight miles from the dunes. Sandboarding is prohibited here because of the sensitive nature of the dune field.
Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes
The Mesquite Flat Dunes are the most visible in Death Valley and the most famous of the dune fields. They are in the Central Death Valley. Two miles south of Stovepipe Wells, there’s a small parking lot you can use as a starting point for your hike to the dunes. You can choose to access from the unpaved Sand Dunes Road, though it’ll be a rough drive.
There are three types of dune shapes at Mesquite Flat Dunes, including star-shaped dunes. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is the largest dune area in the park and is best visited at sunrise. But you can find lots of people here at sunset. Mesquite trees dot the landscape and provide shelter to wildlife.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes trail length is 2.8 miles, and it’s the only dunes where sandboarding is allowed in the park.
Panamint Dunes
Panamint Dunes, unlike other dunes, are on a slope. Though you can see it from the road, you need to drive five miles on an unmarked dirt road to get a closer view. It’s where you’ll do the most hiking because it’s long at 7.5 miles.
Saline Valley Dunes
At the edge of the salt flats, you’ll find these the Saline Valley Dunes. The Inyo Mountains towering over it are a spectacular sight to behold. It’s the best if you want an off-roading experience, but the roads a very rough, so you need a competent vehicle. Flash floods can limit access temporarily, so always check with park rangers for flash flood warnings.
Other Interesting Activities at Death Valley National Park
Although the park is a desert area, several wildflowers bloom here that might interest you. If you enjoy hiking, some of the best hiking trails can be found here. The sunset at the sand dunes is spectacular. It’s something you have to see.
Helpful Tips While In Death Valley
Some helpful tips for enjoying the sand dunes in Death Valley are:
- The National Park Service advises using a standard vehicle for most of this national park, especially Eureka Dunes.
- There is a designated parking area for each of the sand dunes. Don’t miss them.
- The sand gets very hot so keep your shoes on.
Conclusion
A trip to the sand dunes in Death Valley is an adventure. Prepare to enjoy the wind and the hike on the trail along the sand dunes. You’ll be sure to catch some beautiful views.
