by Andrea Iniguez, Desert Field Representative
Name of area/general location: Death Valley National Park / Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Land acknowledgment native-land.ca : The Mesquite Flat Dunes are located within the ancestral homelands and traditional territories of the Timbisha Shoshone people.
Trail/river/climb/ etc. rating and why (easy, moderate, hard):
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most well-known sand dunes in the park due to their accessibility. Although there is no official trail, the hike to the tallest dune and back to the parking lot is about two miles. This hike will take about an hour and a half to complete. Depending on the weather, it is considered easy or moderate. During the summer, Death Valley National Park can reach and exceed temperatures of 120°F, which can make easy trails challenging to traverse. Thus, exploring this area is not recommended after 10 a.m. in the summer.
Trail/river/ etc. mileage (different options if available):
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes do not have an official trail but are open to visitors for cross-country exploration. In other words, visitors must choose their own path when exploring this area. The journey to the tallest dune is about a mile (one way) with about 185ft elevation gain.
This is an ideal place for stargazing and enjoying Death Valley National Park’s infamous night sky. For those feeling more adventurous, consider bringing your own sandboard or sand sled and sliding down any of the small or medium-sized slopes in this area. Note, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and the Saline Valley Sand Dunes are the only dunes in the park where this activity is allowed. Make sure to bring the right gear and use caution while sandboarding.
Permissible trail uses (dogs, horses, mountain bikes, others):
All the sand suns in Death Valley National Park are protected as wilderness. In fact, about 93% (over 3,190,400 acres) of Death Valley National Park is deemed wilderness, so traveling off-road is not permitted in the park. Visitors must use paved or unpaved roads to access the park’s various known landmarks. Moreover, pets are not allowed on the trails or on the dunes in Death Valley National Park, including the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Death Valley National Park is renowned for its extreme weather, so come prepared and do not leave your pets in your vehicle. For more information contact the National Park Service (NPS) or visit their website: Pets – Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
While sand boarding is permitted at the Mesquite Flat Dunes and the Saline Valley Dunes, this activity is prohibited at the Eureka Dunes, Panamint Dunes, and Ibex Dunes to protect the landscape, and its inhabitants, from harm. For more information contact the NPS or visit their website: Sand Dunes – Death Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Description of area, sights, wildlife and any key markers on the trail/river/climb etc.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are evidence of Death Valley National Park’s extraordinary features. The name of this area was inspired by the mesquite tree, which thrives in the area. The sand dunes are home to a wide array of resilient wildlife, like the kangaroo rat. This creature is well adapted to the hard desert landscape. They don’t need a lot of water to survive, so they can sustain their bodies by consuming small amounts of water from seeds. They live underground in burrows and mostly come out at night, so be very careful not to disturb their home. Furthermore, the best time to view the sand dunes is either at sunrise or sunset when the sun washes over the dunes and creates an unforgettable picture.
How to get there: There is no public transportation, so most visitors choose to explore the park by private vehicle. Death Valley National Park has two paved entrances (east and west) and many dirt road entrances as well. The paved roads are the safest to travel, so aim to enter through those. The Mesquite Flat Dunes are just east of Stovepipe Wells Village off CA-190. The parking lot is well paved with enough space for buses and RVs.
Note, cell phone service is extremely limited in the park, so visitors shouldn’t rely on GPS Navigation. Make sure to always carry an up-to-date road map with you and consider downloading the free National Park Service App prior to your visit.
Areas to camp nearby:
Stovepipe Wells Campground has great views of the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Plus, it is near the general store and ranger station. However, it is closed from April to October and spaces are limited.
More information (AllTrails link, etc.): Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail, California – 1,633 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
