Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, CA

Hike Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Death Valley National Park, CA

Class 1 2.4 miles 500 gain 1-2 hr Loop Dec 13, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes GPX Track

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I've driven past Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes on my way to other parts of Death Valley, and I finally took the time to explore the dunes. I made the highest dune my destination, but the fun comes from struggling up the dunes and then running/sliding down. After a fair amount of ups and downs as I navigated the lumpy terrain, I headed up the south side of the highest point. Getting to the high point was definitely worthwhile since it gave a really cool perspective of the surrounding sandy landscape and left the crowds far behind. I headed back via a different direction, but there's certainly no one "best" way.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mesquite High Dune
108 ft
108 rise

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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking lot.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes parking lot.
Heading through the popular first quarter mile into the dunes.
Heading through the popular first quarter mile into the dunes.
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View back toward the parking lot.
View back toward the parking lot.
A well-traveled cut-across for one of the dunes.
A well-traveled cut-across for one of the dunes.
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Fewer people after about a half mile of hiking.
Fewer people after about a half mile of hiking.
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View back as I ascend to the highest dune.
View back as I ascend to the highest dune.
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Approaching the high point.
Approaching the high point.
Mesquite Flat Sand dunes high point.
Mesquite Flat Sand dunes high point.
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Just a bunch of dune photos.
Just a bunch of dune photos.
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Making my way back to the parking lot.
Making my way back to the parking lot.
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Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!