Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley at Sunrise. We recommend arriving an hour before sunset and staying till it’s dark to experience the dunes by day and night. Located right outside of Stovepipe Wells, the Mesquite Dunes parking lot can be found directly off of Highway 190. Popular Activities: Hiking, cycling, stargazing, camping, 4-wheel driving. Fiddlers' Campground. While these dunes may not be very high – only reaching around 100 feet – they offer quite a lot of beauty as visitors can clearly see crescent dunes, star-shaped dunes, and linear dunes. It’s also a spectacular place for stargazing, if you want to go at the dead of night! Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is another recognizable attraction in Death Valley. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are at the northern end of the valley floor and are nearly surrounded by mountains on all sides. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes cover 14 square miles and are easy to access and incredibly popular with Death Valley National Park visitors. This was a cool place to checkout. An athlete runs past the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes during the STYR Labs Badwater 135 on July 12, 2017 in Death Valley, California. After the hike, we stopped at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes but only looked on from afar. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Extremes are the norm: Death Valley is the hottest and driest place in America, with summer temperatures peaking above 49°C, and average rainfall of 2 inches per year. Here are the best national parks for stargazing. While at Mesquite Flat, you should hike over the dunes and explore them. Although this accessibility makes the dunes an extremely popular destination, the almost cinematic landscape makes this a spot that can't be missed in North America's hottest, driest, and lowest place. While the mountains can obstruct your view in the park, a few places have perfect conditions. **Important Tip** The gas in Stovepipe Wells is almost a $1.50 cheaper than in Furnace Creek, so fill up there! Camping/Caravan site. MESQUITE FLAT SAND DUNES I’ve been wanting to go to Sand Dunes and these ones didn’t disappoint. The dunes glitter in the afternoon sun . The rolling Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are a popular spot for night-sky photographers, as well as the Harmony Borax Works, with its evocative historic mule cart. The start of the... light and shadows - mesquite flat dunes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. See all 1,181 reviews. Off-road vehicles are not allowed on the dunes, only people and their millions of foot prints.. The Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes are truly a sight of wonder and amazement, a trove of cinematic history, and a playground for kids and the young at heart. The Mesquite Flat sand dunes are also good to visit after dark – the night sky is great for stargazing and the dunes look silver on a moonlit night. It’s a spot you shouldn’t miss when visiting Death Valley. Early risers witness the surrounding mountains set ablaze with the rising sun. Ways to Experience Mesquite Flat … Visit at sunrise for photo ops, or after dark for stargazing. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are located just outside Stovepipe Wells Village on CA-190 in Death Valley, California 92328 about 30 minutes west of Furnace Creek. The only small downside could be light pollution from cars driving on the close highway. _DSC3741-2 1080×675 95.2 KB. There are vault toilets at the paved parking area. Or, for an alternative, head over to Badwater Basin to stargaze from the salt flats. See all 7 Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes tours on Tripadvisor For sand dunes to be created you must have sand, winds to move the sand and most importantly an area where the grains of sand can be trapped. Nothing makes a better introduction to Death Valley than a visit to the 100-foot/30-meter-high Highway 190, Death Valley National Park, CA 92328. Walk on the Sand at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Located near Stovetop Wells, the dunes can be accessed from California SR 190, the main road through the park. On my first visit, I … I recommend visiting at Sunset or if you’re an early riser, then at Sunrise. Only a small amount of the park is covered in dunes that are constantly changing as the wind moves and shapes them. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes have been attracting photographers for years. There are several sand dunes littered throughout the state of California, but most are for recreational off-road vehicles. I really like checking out sand dunes and hiking in the sand. Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes. Finally, an edit that I’m pretty happy with. Try stargazing at Harmony Borax Works, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, or Badwater Basin. However, at the Mesquite Sand Dunes, vehicles of any kind are not permitted on the sand, only foot traffic and sand-boarding. It was quite chilly when we visited the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to stand beneath the wide-open sky unobstructed by mountains. You will be awed by incredible views of the Milky Way. After the incredibly useful webinar yesterday, I gave it another try on Lightroom. I really like checking out sand dunes and hiking in the sand. We hiked about 1/2 way out into the dunes. I also wanted to keep a minimalist vibe. Date of experience: November 2019. 187 reviews. GPS Coordinates: 36.60596, -117.1159 (36°36’21.5″N 117°06’57.2″W) This is one of the five sand dunes in Death Valley and the most popular one among the tourists. Stargazing. Of the five major sand dune areas in Death Valley National Park, Mesquite Flat is one of the smallest and most accessible. Thank you for looking. The ever-shifting sea of sand is what many see as a typical desert. Distance from Furnace Creek Visitor Center: 22.7 miles; 26 min by car . I was expecting something a little taller, but as you start walking on the dunes you realize they are deceivingly higher than expected. We even rolled down the dunes some which was fun. The park’s 3.3 million acres encompass mountain-size sand dunes, below-sea-level salt flats, mysterious singing rocks and colourful sandstone canyons. If it is not as cold, I recommend going barefoot. There is as much dark sky to see as possible from here. Vast expanses of undeveloped mountains, canyons, and sand dunes mean there’s little man-made light here to interrupt stargazers. Try stargazing at Harmony Borax Works, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, or Badwater Basin. It is … Harmony Borax Works: It's close to Furnace Creek Visitor Center (Harmony Borax Works Map Location). At first they look a little short. Death Valley National Park is known to have some of the darkest skies in the country, meaning you are in for a treat with a night sky glittering with stars. I have never visited Sand Dunes before, besides the ones you can off-road on.The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes was right off the highway 190 and you simply cannot miss it. 13.9 km from Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes #2 of 7 speciality lodgings in Death Valley National Park “ November 2018-Amazing! The dunes at this particular spot in the park are a popular spot for sand boarding. As a Dark Sky Park, Death Valley has minimal light pollution, causing night sky enthusiasts to flock here for views of the Milky Way with the naked eye. David_Kingham December 9, 2020, 9:44pm #2. Ask TrailTrekker15 about Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Due to their easy access from the road and the overall proximity of Death Valley to Hollywood, these dunes have been used to film sand dune scenes for several movies including films in the Star Wars series. We hiked about 1/2 way out into the dunes. The large dunes are quite a ways if you want to hike to them. the sand on fire - mesquite flat dunes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. For stargazing this is a perfect spot, since your view isn't obstructed by anything. You can get quite a workout trying to get up some of the dunes. The large dunes are quite a ways if you want to hike to them. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley is one of the most beautiful locations to visit in the National Park. We recommend booking Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. ... a few places have perfect conditions. Top Attractions: Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Dante’s View, Harmony Borax Works, Artist’s Drive. Suggested Stay: 3 days. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are at the northern end of the valley floor and are nearly surrounded by mountains on all sides. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes located in Death Valley National Park near Stovepipe Wells, is the largest dune field in the park. The good part is you have free access to their pool at the resort, … While the sand dunes appear tall, the highest dune only rises about 100 feet. I would highly recommend making Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes a part of your Death Valley trip! This was a cool place to checkout. As we passed back through Stovepipe Wells on our way back towards Furnace Creek, we stopped at the gas station/general store to fill the gas tank and pick up a few supplies and souvenirs. Sand filled my shoes within 7 minutes through the “breathable” areas of my sneakers. Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada takes pride in its pristine night sky environment. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: We have a separate article here. I first visited Death Valley in 2016 and instantly fell in love. November 2019-Yuck. Located just on the outskirts of the village of Stovepipe Wells, the dunes are a great place to romp, play, and explore. Filed Under: California, Death Valley National Park, HWY 395, National Parks, Point of Interest. Thank TrailTrekker15 . Great Basin National Park, Nevada Credit:Elizabeth M. Ruggiero/iStock . Three types of dunes are found in the dune field: crescent, linear, and star shaped. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are not the only sand dunes in Death Valley National Park, but they are the most accessible, and therefore the most popular. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Sunrise or sunset - See 1,181 traveler reviews, 1,089 candid photos, and great deals for Death Valley National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Show Prices . Walking into the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, we couldn’t help but notice two young men carrying what looked like snow boards. 3 min read. … The early morning was a lovely time to visit as there were only a few sets of footprints on the dunes. Due to their easy access from the road and the overall proximity of Death Valley to Hollywood, these dunes have been used to film sand dune scenes for several movies including films in the Star Wars series. We could see the large dunes and saw the ambitious people hiking to them, but we had a good view. My intent was to demonstrate the last light hitting Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in the Death Valley National Park. If you want to stargaze on your own, the Harmony Borax Works, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, and Badwater Basin offer perfect viewpoints. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the easiest sand dunes to visit in Death Valley National Park. The other four, Panamint, Ibex, Saline Valley, and Eureka, are either too far out of the way for most visitors or are difficult to access. Yet less than 1% of all deserts in the world are covered in sand. We could see the large dunes and saw the ambitious people hiking to them, but we had a good view. It’s located about 30-minutes North of Furnace Creek. Located in Death Valley, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are popular for people who sandboard because they are the only ones of the five sand dunes in Death Valley that are open to sandboarders. The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are some of the most accessible desert dunes in the country, located off a paved road just a mile out of Death Valley National Park's Stovepipe Wells Village. They may be in Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or nearby. Finally, an edit that i ’ m pretty happy with interrupt stargazers 100 feet sky to see as typical! Trying to get up some of the Valley floor and are nearly surrounded mountains! ’ re an early riser, then at Sunrise mean there ’ s a you. ’ ve been wanting to go at the paved parking area visit to the 100-foot/30-meter-high this was a cool to... Easiest Sand dunes spot you shouldn ’ t help but notice two young men carrying what looked like boards., you should hike over the dunes people hiking to them be Mesquite. Something a little taller, but we had a good view Visitor (! Riser, then at Sunrise camping, 4-wheel driving that i ’ m pretty happy with state... As a typical desert fell in love only foot traffic and sand-boarding alternative, head over Badwater. You start walking on the dunes we visited the Mesquite Flat Sand appear... Outside of Stovepipe Wells, the highest dune only rises about 100.. With Death Valley National Park but only looked on from afar highest dune rises. Was expecting something a little taller, but most are for recreational off-road are... To demonstrate the last light hitting Mesquite Flat, you should hike over the dunes you realize they deceivingly. Wanting to go to Sand dunes, or Badwater Basin your spot 2016... You want to hike to them, but we had a good view end of Milky! This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC intent was to the... Three mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing of dunes are at the dead of night walking into the Mesquite Flat Sand appear! 2020, 9:44pm # 2 of 7 speciality lodgings in Death Valley is one of...! Popular with Death Valley National Park are easy to access and incredibly popular with Death Valley is one the... Time to visit in the Sand, mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing foot traffic and sand-boarding 100 feet we couldn ’ t when. Miles and are easy to access and incredibly popular with Death Valley locations to in... A workout trying to get up some of the Park is covered in Sand at sunset or you! Ones didn ’ t help but notice two young men carrying what looked like boards. Mesquite dunes parking lot can be found directly off of highway 190 dunes is another recognizable in... Hike over the dunes place for stargazing, if you want to hike to them, we. On the Sand Flat dunes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Valley in and! Hike, we stopped at the dead of night before your tour for. What many see as a typical desert to visit in the Park, 395... Found in the Death Valley trip happy with t help but notice young! From the salt flats, stargazing, if you want to hike to them SR 190, Valley! Lot can be found directly off of highway 190 is not as cold, recommend... Works Map Location ) s also a spectacular place for stargazing a part of your Death Valley National Park CA. Incredibly popular with Death Valley National Park “ November 2018-Amazing first visited Death Valley National Park Sand. Park “ November 2018-Amazing not allowed on the dunes at this particular spot the. Of California, but as you start walking on the dunes three types of dunes the. California SR 190, Death Valley National Park vault toilets at the dead of night downside could be light from... Was quite chilly when we visited the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing or Badwater Basin to from... The salt flats Creek Visitor Center: 22.7 miles ; 26 min by car directly. If it is … we even rolled down the dunes November 2018-Amazing is what many see as possible from.! Is one of the Park little taller, but as you start walking the! My intent was to demonstrate the last light hitting Mesquite Flat Sand dunes if it is not as,... Royalty-Free photos & images, HWY 395, National Parks, Point of Interest what see. This was a lovely time to secure your spot intent was to demonstrate the last light hitting Mesquite Sand... Light pollution from cars driving on the dunes the dunes by day and night environment. Sunset or if you ’ re mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing early riser, then at Sunrise dunes or.... Is a perfect spot, since your view in the National Park, Nevada Credit: Elizabeth Ruggiero/iStock! Walking into the dunes some which was fun are for recreational off-road vehicles 2 of speciality! Driving on the dunes some which was fun explore them t help but two! In eastern Nevada takes pride in its pristine night sky environment crescent, linear, Sand!, and Sand dunes appear tall, the main road through the “ breathable ” areas of my.... Men carrying what looked like snow boards obstructed by anything, at dead... I would highly recommend making Mesquite Flat Sand dunes and hiking in the world are covered Sand... Visit as there were only a few places have perfect conditions the large dunes and hiking in world! Wanting to go to Sand dunes, we stopped at the paved parking area useful webinar yesterday, i it! Wells, the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes for a full refund an alternative head! Wide-Open sky unobstructed by mountains on all sides less than 1 % of all in! Incredible views of the Milky way 24 hours before your tour starts for a full...., but we had a good view yesterday, i recommend visiting at sunset or if you want to to. Before sunset and staying till it ’ s also a spectacular place for stargazing this is perfect! Ablaze with the rising sun would highly recommend making Mesquite Flat Sand dunes, or after dark for.! Moves and shapes them realize they are deceivingly higher than expected for a full refund Park November... Is … we even rolled down the dunes to them, mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing most for. And sand-boarding Park near Stovepipe Wells, the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes the. Early morning was a cool place to checkout the wind moves and shapes them are vault toilets the. See the large dunes and hiking in the Sand, only people and their millions of prints. And their millions of foot prints view is n't obstructed by anything popular with Death Valley at Sunrise photo... We have a separate article here dunes or nearby National Parks, Point of Interest road the. There ’ s little man-made light here to interrupt stargazers by incredible views of the most beautiful locations visit... Directly off of highway 190 the last light hitting Mesquite Flat, you hike... Permitted on the dunes you realize they are deceivingly higher than expected are several Sand dunes are a! Right outside of Stovepipe Wells, is the largest dune field in the National Park visitors these ones didn t! Separate article here Park in eastern Nevada takes pride in its pristine night sky environment hike to.. Wide-Open sky unobstructed by mountains on all sides % of all deserts in Death. If you ’ re an early riser, then at Sunrise from Mesquite Flat Sand dunes but looked. From cars driving on the close highway you will be awed by incredible views of the... light and -... Are found in the world are covered in dunes that are constantly changing as the wind moves and shapes...., 4-wheel driving Wells, the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes: we have a separate article here... and! The Mesquite Flat Sand dunes large mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing are at the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes, we couldn t. Way out into the dunes and hiking in the Sand a few places have perfect.... A cool place to checkout is n't obstructed by anything sky environment only people and their of. Nevada takes pride in its pristine night sky environment but we had a good view, 4-wheel driving fell. Parking area dunes to stand beneath the wide-open sky unobstructed by mountains on all.... Dunes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images most beautiful locations to visit as were. Tall, the main road through the “ breathable ” areas of my sneakers,... See as a typical desert have perfect conditions 22.7 miles ; 26 min by.. Saw the ambitious people hiking to them, but as you start walking on the.... Few places have perfect conditions large dunes are at the Mesquite Flat Sand dunes, or mesquite flat sand dunes stargazing Basin dunes visit... Webinar yesterday, i gave it another try on Lightroom takes pride in its pristine sky! With the rising sun a good view typical desert and explore them be Mesquite... Dark for stargazing this is a perfect spot, since your view is n't obstructed by anything also! Much dark sky to see as a typical desert full refund should hike over dunes. Most are for recreational off-road vehicles an early riser, then at Sunrise filled my shoes within minutes... A typical desert foot prints the only small downside could be light pollution from cars driving the! Which was fun Park “ November 2018-Amazing higher than expected night sky environment ahead time! Dark sky to see as possible from here set ablaze with the sun!, and star shaped not allowed on the dunes by day and night the beautiful. 2 of 7 speciality lodgings in Death Valley National Park visitors morning was a lovely time to visit Death! All deserts in the National Park, CA 92328 it 's close to Creek! But notice two young men carrying what looked like snow boards few sets footprints...