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gem icon Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes [Suggest Edits]

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Description

Located just to the east of Stovepipe Wells, the Mesquite Flats Dunes embody the undulating sand that comes to mind when one thinks of a "desert." While Death Valley National Park displays many different types of desert, the easily accessible Mesquite Flats Dunes provide an excellent place to appreciate the complex geologic forces at work in the park. The sand present at these dunes is the result of weathering and erosion of the nearby Cottonwood Mountains. Over time, the feldspar and quartz rocks that make up the mountains are eroded and weathered, eventually becoming sand-sized grains. The grains are then transported via wind, and dunes are formed.

Unlike many of the other dune areas in the park, visitors can fully explore these incredible dunes. Foot travel and dune boarding are welcome. While the dunes here aren't exceptionally tall with the tallest dunes being only about 100', the dunes cover a vast area. Enjoy exploring this incredible area!

Short Walk: This area is easy to access, with parking available near the dunes.

Family Friendly: With unlimited exploration possibilities, the whole family will enjoy trekking through this area.

Gem Type: Geologic Feature

Shared by:
Mikhaila Redovian
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Check-Ins

Jul 25, 2023
Anna Boulan
Jun 27, 2023
Maciej Napierała
May 31, 2023
Erika Gornienė
Dec 31, 2022
Ted Gould
Dec 12, 2022
Matthew Prowant
Nov 9, 2022
Paul Nasman
Restorative in a way.
Jul 25, 2022
Melany Doman
May 21, 2022
alex carlton
Hiked back an hour in pitch black because I watched stars on highest dune saw a kit fox that saw me mid shit and ran away

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Shared by Mikhaila Redovian on Apr 21, 2016. All Page Views: 2,208. Last Month: 19.