Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes
Stovepipe Wells, CA
Rippled dunes you can walk into from the road. Avoid midday heat from May to September.
The Mesquite Flat Dunes are in the center of Death Valley National Park near Stovepipe Wells and, according to the NPS, are the park's best-known dunes. The tallest dune is only about 30 m (100 feet) high. The field includes crescent, linear and star dunes, resting on cracked clay from an ancient lakebed. Mesquite trees have built large hummocks that provide habitat for animals.
The dunes can be reached from Highway 190 or via the unpaved Sand Dunes Road. The NPS asks visitors to stay on the roads to protect the desert. Sandboarding is allowed here, but dogs are not allowed on the dunes. The walk to the tallest dune is about 3 km (2 miles) round trip and takes roughly an hour and a half. In summer the NPS advises against hiking after 10 a.m.; set out early or late in the day. Bring plenty of water.
- Nearest town
- Stovepipe Wells, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 36.6060, -117.1150
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Stovepipe Wells RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes · 14 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Stovepipe Wells CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Mesquite Flat Sand DunesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Furnace Creek CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes · 136 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Fiddlers' CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Mesquite Flat Sand DunesTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Sunset CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes · 230 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Texas Springs CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes · 92 pitchesTentsCaravansWaste disposal
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes?
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is in Stovepipe Wells, CA, at GPS 36.6060, -117.1150. It is about 17 mi from Furnace Creek.
Can you camp near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Stovepipe Wells RV Park, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes?
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Death Valley loop.
What is there to see near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mosaic Canyon (3 mi), Golden Canyon (20 mi), Zabriskie Point (21 mi) and Artists Palette (24 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)