Exploring The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes In Death Valley National Park

When you think of Death Valley National Park there are a number of things that spring to mind including large open spaces and unbearably hot temperatures. However something that people don’t expect to see in the National Park are the vast expanses of sand dunes.

Not only does the National Park have sand dunes but they are enormous, rising up 100 feet / 30 metres in places attracting sand boarders. They also offer the typical “ripple effect” due to strong prevailing winds.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat dunes are said to be the easiest to reach in the park and can be accessed from Highway 190 so if you are making your way through Death Valley National Park this is an absolute must stop location. Park up your car and wander across the top of the peaks. You’ll soon learn it’s not as easy as it looks with loose sand under foot but you’ll experience some amazing views so it’s worth it in the end. Just be sure to keep an eye out for snakes and other animals that could do you harm.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The best time to visit the sand dunes is either at dawn where you’ll find animal footprints in the sand from a night of hunting or at dusk where you’ll see some incredible long shadows and colours reflecting off of the sand.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

We arrived quite late at the Mesquite Flat dunes having done a long 7 hour drive from Yosemite National Park however this didn’t take anything away from or experience. The dunes are well worth a visit if you are in this area so don’t miss out!

Have you already visited or are you planning a trip to the sand dunes this year? Let us know in the comments!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *