Kelso Dunes [Suggest Edits]

Description

One of the Mojave National Preserve's more popular destinations, the Kelso Dunes are the largest sand dunes found in the Mojave Desert. The dunes cover 45 square miles and rise up to 650 feet. The dunes are known as "booming dunes", a reference to the low-frequency rumble that can occur when large amounts of sand flows down the slopes. The dunes are home to many different desert species, and the soft sand is a great place to see animal tracks of all types.

The Kelso Dunes are closed to all OHV use, but are open to hiking.

Short Run: The dunes are accessed from a marked trailhead just off Kelbaker Road. Take Kelbaker Road south from Kelso Depot for approx. 8 miles to Kelso Dunes Rd. The trailhead is a short distance down the road on the right. There are information signs and pit toilets at the trailhead. The trail travels about 0.5 miles to the edge of the sand. One can turn around here, or continue cross-country up the steep slope to the top of the dunes.

Gem Type: Geologic Feature