Kelso Dunes | Mojave National Preserve

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Kelso Dunes
in Mojave National Preserve

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Kelso Dunes Mojave

The Kelso Dunes cover 45 square miles and rise 650 feet above the desert floor. What do you do with such a big pile of sand? Climb it! Even if you have hiked other dunes before, Kelso will be an interesting experience. The 3-mile round trip hike to the top features fantastic views of the surrounding dunes and peaks.

A concentrated trail leaves from the parking area, but dissolves away the further you go. The wind and sand constantly reshapes the dunes, preventing the formation of a permanent trail. No matter, just aim for the summit and make your own way.

As you start up the steeper slopes, your steps will become strenuous. You will start to create small sand avalanches every time you lower your boot. Don’t be alarmed if a booming sound rises beneath your feet. This is caused by hot surface sand breaking over the colder sand below. The somewhat unique rumble know as “singing sand” actually sounds more like a low-frequency jet engine or flatulence.

Hiking the Kelso Dunes

Spurred on by the curious excitement inspired by the vibrations, make your way up the dune. Ridgelines and old tracks offer slightly more stable footing. As your pace inevitably slows toward the top, remind yourself that it will take you much less time on your way down, when running and sliding are highly recommended. No fee or permit is required, so get out and enjoy!

To get to the trailhead: From Barstow, drive east on the 40 freeway. Take exit 78 on to Kelbaker Road. Head north for 15 miles and turn left on Kelso-Dunes Road. Take this refined dirt road 4 miles to the trailhead.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

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Photos

These photos were taken in February of 2008 and May of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Lava Tube This short 0.6-mile hike drops below the surface into an old lava tube.
	Petroglyphs near Seventeen Mile Point This quarter-mile path visits ancient engravings in the volcanic rock at the western rim of the cinder fields just off Kelbaker Road.
	Silver Peak This 8.5-mile hike summits a 6.365-foot peak in the Granite Mountains.
	Teutonia Peak The 4-mile round trip hike crosses a Joshua tree forest to summit a short peak with a great view of Cima Dome.
	New York Peak This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike summits the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.
	Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail This 1.5-mile loop takes visitors through a landscape of pocketed rocks. Ringbolts allow fun passage through narrow canyons.
	Fountain Peak This 5-mile off trail trek summits a peak with commanding views over the Providence Mountains.
	Amboy Crater This 3-mile round trip hike travels up and into this ‘Mojave National Preserve adjacent’ crater.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Mojave National Preserve.