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A moderate hike to some of the largest dunes in the park.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.3

KM

Point to Point

3,653' 1,113 m

High

3,643' 1,110 m

Low

18' 6 m

Up

11' 3 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views

Family Friendly This is a short and relatively easy trail to see a stunning landscape that will surely impress the kids. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen for everyone.

The Salt Basin Dunes are designated as day-use only and are accessible for visitation from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Camping is prohibited. The access road may not be safe to travel when wet.

Description

This short trail takes visitors to some of the largest dunes in the park. These amazing bright-white dunes cover nearly 2,000 acres and range from 3 feet high at the southern end of the area to 60 feet high at the northern end. While vegetation covers the smaller dunes to the south, the northern dunes are exposed and starkly white with little vegetation on their vast, sun-baked slopes.

The hike to the dunes follows along the northern edge of the dune fields with excellent views of the western escarpment and the largest dunes of the area. The trail is flat and relatively easy, but there is no shade, so carry plenty of water and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. The area can get quite windy in the spring and hot in the summer.

Before visiting the Salt Basin Dunes, check with park personnel at the Pine Springs Visitor Center information desk. More information can be found here.

Flora & Fauna

Rattlesnakes live in this area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#11792

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
25%
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#238

in Texas

#11,792

Overall
15 Views Last Month
902 Since Mar 16, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

25%
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75%
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Photos

Looking east towards the Guadalupe Mountains at the start of the Salt Basin Dunes Trail.
Feb 25, 2019 near Pine Sp…, TX
View of the Dunes and Guadalupe Mountains
Apr 20, 2018 near Pine Sp…, TX
Looking west from the dunes
Apr 20, 2018 near Pine Sp…, TX
Getting near the Dunes
Apr 20, 2018 near Pine Sp…, TX

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