1-4 Hours
Hike Desert Sand Dunes
Mojave National Preserve
Take a day hike on the Kelso Dunes! Enjoy an approximately three mile round-trip trail to the top of cream-colored dunes, formed over millennia by wind and sand. If you're lucky, you might even hear the dunes sing. This hike can be strenuous and hot. Bring water and sunscreen.
The trail up the Kelso Sand Dunes is the most popular in the Preserve for good reason: beautiful views from some of the largest dunes in America! The hike is approximately three miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 650 feet. This is a strenuous trail, as the last part is steeply uphill in sand. Fall and spring are the ideal seasons to hike, and morning and evening bring comfortable, spectacular light shows and temperatures. This trail is completely exposed and very hot in summer. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep your pets on a six-foot leash at all times.
Tags
HikingDunesGeologyNatural SoundsScenic ViewsTrailsRareWildernesshikingdunessand dunes
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
1-4 Hours
Duration Details
Hiking uphill in sand can be difficult. Plan for more time if needed.
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
The trail starts off level, but gets more and more difficult as hikers get closer to the summit. The views get better and better as visitors climb the dunes. Most hikers choose the top of the tallest dune as their destination, but hikers can go anywhere in the volcano field that they'd like to. No matter what path visitors choose, there is deep, soft sand at a steep uphill grade that needs to be navigated. It is not an easy trail.
Pets
Yes — All pets must be kept on a six-foot leash.
Reservations
No
Location
Kelso Dunes