Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - Death Valley National Park
Happy Monday friends! Today I’m excited to take you with me on a trip through the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. I love traveling to Death Valley National Park in the winter, and Mesquite Flat is particularly beautiful this season, offering miles of make-your-own trail hikes surrounded by snow capped mountains.
Death Valley Sand Dunes
Less than one percent of the desert in Death Valley is actually covered by sand, but there are 5 unique sand dunes located inside the park grounds. The largest, Eureka Dunes, are located at the remote north end of the park and require both good weather conditions and a high clearance 4WD vehicle to reach it. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are definitely the easiest dunes to access in the park, and from the moment you step out of your vehicle in the parking lot, you are met with seemingly endless and beautiful sand hills.
Sand & Clay
Multiple types of dunes can be found in Mesquite Flat, which include crescent, linear, and star shaped. Polygon cracked clay formations that were originally created by an ancient lakebed are sprinkled across the valley floor between the high peaks. The tiny grains that fill up the dunes began as much larger pieces of rock in the Cottonwood Mountains.
No Trails
The sand here is constantly shifting with the winds, so there are no marked trails to follow. I recommend making your way to the high peaks and exploring to your heart’s content (I love the feeling that I’m forging my own way and creating my own trail). 😊 Just make sure to bring extra water because nothing is as close as it looks here, and you can travel the dunes for miles on end without realizing it.
Time of Day to Visit
Sunrise and sunset are when these dunes shine there brightest. It’s wonderful to head out on the sand and see no foot prints but your own hiking in the early morning hours. If there has been any significant wind gusting during the night, a hike first thing in the morning will reveal a treasure trove of tiny animal tracks...everything from birds to rodents, and even snakes. Sunset is lovely because long shadows are cast down over the ridge tops, making for spectacular photo opportunities…golden hour is truly golden here!
In the Movies
Death Valley has a long standing connection to the silver screen. These dunes have welcomed many Hollywood legends, including John Wayne, Martin Sheen, and Harrison Ford. In fact the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes star as the deserts of Tattooine that R2-D2 and C-3PO cross in the classic film Star Wars.
What to Know Before You Go:
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
• The trail head is located on CA-190 2 miles from Stovepipe Wells
• There is no cell coverage here so don’t rely on your phone
• Be watchful for resting snakes (including sidewinder rattlesnakes), especially at sunset and after dark
• Always bring proper footwear. The sand feels great between your toes in mild weather, but extreme summer heat makes it too hot to be barefoot (or in sandals)…and after sunset in winter months the sand can feel surprisingly cold.
• Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the only dunes in Death Valley that do not restrict sand boarding.
• If you plan on sand boarding here, expect to hike out at least 1 mile to reach the larger peaks.
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need. The high peaks are misleadingly far and it can be a tiring hike out and back in the shifting sands.
• Always wear sunscreen and bring proper sun protection. There is no shade and the sun reflects powerfully off the sand.
• Make sure to bring a headlamp or strong flashlight if hiking the dunes in the afternoon. Once the sun sets over the distant mountain peaks, it can get very dark quickly.
In Summary
If you are planning a day trip, long weekend, or major vacation to Death Valley, I encourage you to make time to stop at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. For more information, see my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post. Whether you simply park your car and take in the vast beauty for just a few minutes, or you spend hours on end making your own trails across the sand, this is a special spot not to be missed. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement along every trail you take!
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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