The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley is one of the most beautiful locations to visit in the National Park. There are several sand dunes littered throughout the state of California, but most are for recreational off-road vehicles. However, at the Mesquite Sand Dunes, vehicles of any kind are not permitted on the sand, only foot traffic and sand-boarding.
I highly suggest adding the dunes as a stop when you visit the Death Valley National Park. It made #2 on my list for my favorite spots to visit in the California Desert. It’s an amazing location in the middle of a barren desert that brings to mind stories of the Sahara Desert or Aladdin’s magic lamp.
Make sure to find out what other sites in Death Valley made my top list.
About Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
If you stop to read one of the informational placards stationed at the main entrance to the sand dunes, it explains how “alluvial fans” work in Death Valley to form the sand dunes, which only cover about 1% of desert landscape.
Alluvial fans are triangular shaped deposits of boulders, rocks, sediment and sand that crumble outwards usually at a contact point between two mountains where water flows downhill through a valley during rains/floods. The erosion caused by wind and rain eventually break the rocks and sediment down into sand which is carried across Death Valley by the wind and then eventually pile up at places like this sand dune, where some sort of natural wind barrier prevents the sand from scattering beyond the dunes.
Where are the Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley
You would think the sand dunes would be hidden in an obscure location deep within the desert of Death Valley. But it’s not. It’s quite easy to get to.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes of Death Valley is located a little over 30-minutes away from the town of Furnace Creek off the Highway 190. And you can literally see it driving on the highway from a distance. It’s also less than 10-minutes away from the Stovepipe Wells Campground. It has its own small parking area with public restroom facilities.
When to Visit the Mesquite Sand Dunes
In my personal opinion, the best time of YEAR to visit Death Valley, is during the Winter months of January-February….and possibly a bit of March while the weather is much cooler. At the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, there is zero shade. So you can only imagine the horrendous heat that beams down on you during the Summer months. Beware of sand storms however. It is ideal to visit after a wind storm because it erases the millions of footsteps in the sand and leaves a smooth pristine surface, perfect for photos.
The best time of DAY to visit the Sand Dunes is at Sunset or Sunrise. I prefer Sunsets over the early morning. I like to take my time in the mornings. During these twilight and dusk hours, the majestic sand dunes practically glow with wonderment. The sky and the sun create a magical combination of colors and you’ll be amazed at the textures and the shadows the dunes create.
What to do at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Hike the Sand Dunes
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes don’t particularly have trails designated for hiking, but you can definitely venture onto it or into it to explore the vast valleys of the sand. It looks like an endless expanse of sand in varying elevations, but it does eventually end.
Once you are parked in the parking area, you will see most visitors enter the dunes right in the middle. You can tell by the millions of footprints visible in the sand. Don’t follow them. During peak season, the high foot traffic right in the middle of the dunes disrupts the sand immensely. Go off to the left or the right, towards the less populated areas. The dunes may not seem as high off to the sides, but the sand is less disturbed.
Be prepared for some heavy footwork. The dunes are strenuous to tackle. Doing it barefoot is highly recommended. It makes it a lot easier to move at an even pace. There are also a lot of uphills and downhills, so definitely expect some aching muscles the next day. I suggest tackling higher dunes at a diagonal so it is less stress on your calves.
Have Fun and Enjoy the Sand Dunes
When I say have fun, I don’t mean play beach volleyball on the sand. If you do, then you’re an imbecile. Have fun by enjoying the uniqueness of the landscape, try out sand-surfing, produce a music video, breathe in the fresh air, and just enjoy yourself or the company you are with. Just make sure to adhere to the rules of the park. (Drones are not permitted in Death Valley National Park.)
Another fun thing you can do is Star Gazing in Death Valley at the Sand Dunes. There are no hills or mountains to obstruct the huge expanse of the sky. You can literally gaze at the incredible night sky for hours. But make sure you bundle up, it gets pretty cold at night in the desert.
The below Star Gazing photos were taken at other sites in Death Valley, but you get the idea of the incredible expanse of the night sky.
Meditate at the Mesquite Sand Dunes
Nature is the best therapy for the mind, body and soul. Nature does not always have to be abundantly green and full of foliage. The high desert at sunset, quiet on the dunes….what better environment can you ask for to meditate in? It’s peacefully quiet, no distractions of any kind, the air is clean, fresh and the warm sand is soothing beneath your feet. Clear your mind and just be one with yourself. Be one with the universe. Perhaps if you find a spot that’s more flat and smooth, you can even attempt a Yoga session as long as you venture away from the crowds and noisy visitors.
Family Friendly Science Projects
The unique landscape of the Sand Dunes of California is a great place to run experiments on the sand and formation of the terrain. Kids can learn about geology and the wildlife of Death Valley. How the Sand Dunes were formed and why the sand stops in this area and doesn’t spread out further. It’s also a great opportunity for home-schoolers to work on special science projects or experiments. Death Valley is a wonderful expanse of educational material!
Photographer’s Haven at the Sand Dunes
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Photography
We love photography, but we totally don’t have a clue what we’re doing. So unfortunately we can’t answer any expert questions or give much photography advice. However, we do know when we see a good photography location when we see one!!! And the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Death Valley is definitely one!!!
When we visited the dunes, we saw several photographers trekking through the sand dunes. Carrying tripods, setting up their equipment and just patiently waiting for the sun to set. (Be careful using a tripod in the sand, it can get ruined!) They stayed away from the crowds and ventured off to the edges of the dunes where there were less people.
If you do a quick Google search for Mesquite Sand Dunes Photography Tours you’ll come across a lot of results. In fact, the whole of Death Valley is ideal for all kinds of photography tours, from Landscape to Astrophotography. If you’re interested in a Photography Class or Tour, Death Valley is a great place to start.
Have you been to Death Valley or the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in California? Do you love it or hate it? Comment below and let me know! I’d love to hear about your experience!
Death Valley Hotels & Campgrounds
For a list of Death Valley Accommodations that’s local to all the main sites to see, visit my post for the Best Hotels & Campgrounds in Death Valley.
From private luxury villas to single-tent camping sites, Death Valley can accommodate everyone’s preferences.
Just thinking about the time it takes for those rocks to be broken down into sediment and sand, then carried across the desert by the wind makes me feel like a tiny speck in time.
Wow, this place looks stunning! I’m currently living #vanlife in Utah and need to add the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to my list! Thanks for sharing!
Oh gosh, yes, definitely visit Death Valley during your van life expeditions!
wow you have captures some amazing photos of Mesquite Flat sand dunes. I have never heard about this part of USA. Hiking the sand dunes at sunrise/sunset seems amazing experience.
A lot of people don’t know this place exists!
Wow Death Valley looks so pretty!! All of those colors are just incredible!
No arguments there! Definitely an incredible place!
I love your photos! <3 I need to go to Death Valley someday–it's so beautiful!
Thank you so much! It’s reasonably close for you! Definitely check it out!
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes look so beautiful! I had a trip planned to Death Valley this spring that I had to cancel so this only makes me want to visit even more. Beautiful photos! It does look like the perfect place to look at the stars.
Oh no, I’m so sorry you had to cancel the trip. But Death Valley is definitely not going anywhere. I hope you get to reschedule your trip soon!
Wow, your photography skills are amazing. I love how you have captured the scene. This is fury stone I have hear of Mesquite Sand Dunes and you are making me want to go there!
Thank you. I’m glad you like my photos. I hope you get to visit Death Valley one day!
For starters your photos are AMAZING! You have real skill!
Secondly I love that you suggested tourists take the less travelled on route! I love doing this, you always find so many hidden gems!
Awww thank you so much!