Oct 24 2008
Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park
From the alpine forest region of Inyo County at Bishop Creek Canyon, we move to Inyo County’s barren land at Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park.
Mesquite Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park
From the blazing colors of autumnal hues , we move to the subdued tones of the earth and sky.
Mesquite Sand Dunes, Sunset
Mesquite Sand Dunes, Sunset
Death Valley is more popularly known for its soaring temperature, the 2nd highest temperature recorded in the world is at Furnace Creek area of Death Valley. Though summer temperature can soar to over one hundred degrees, but from late fall to early spring, the temperatures are pleasant. In fact, during winter, the daytime high is in the 50s- 60s (15- 18 oC) and night time low is in the mid 20s - 30s ( 0 – 5 oC) , just perfect for enjoying the park. Reported temperatures in Death Valley are located in Furnace Creek area which is at low elevation, but Death Valley National Park also includes the mountains bordering it in almost all sides. The higher elevation of Death Valley during wintertime has daytime high in the 40s- 50s ( 5 – 10 oC) and nighttime low in the 20s ( 0 oC to -10oC). Though summer temperatures soar beyond one hundred at low elevation, but the higher elevation remains cooler providing a relief for its wildlife. Best time to visit Death Valley is from late fall to early spring, when the temperature is cooler. At this time of the year, you see the similarity between low elevation and high elevation, that is, they both look white but from different reasons. The low elevation looks white from the salt deposits, whereas the high elevation looks white from the snow covered slopes.
Old Mequite Sand Dunes, late afternoon
Death Valley got its name from a small group of white emigrants who in 1849 ( The Forty-Niners ) wanted to make a short cut to the gold fields of California. Prior to their discovery of Death Valley, the area is inhabited by Panamint Indians. Their crossing of the valley marked the beginning of the turbulent history of Death Valley and its mountains. Despite its name, Death Valley offers magnificent diversity beyond compare.
Sand Dunes, Early Morning
There are varied geological formations in Death Valley to explore and experience. For geologists, Death Valley is their Disneyland. One of the more visited region of Death Valley are the Sand Dunes. The most accessible sand dunes in Death Valley National Park are in Stovepipe Wells tucked into the Mequite Flat in the North end of the park. Mesquite Sand Dunes are almost surrounded by mountains in all sides.
Mountain Bordering Sand Dunes, Sunset
Mountain Bordering Sand Dunes, Sunset
For the geology of sand dunes, please click here to go to the Death Valley Dune geology.
A hike into the Mesquite Sand Dunes can be a long one or a short one, can be arduous or easy, as there is no formal trail. The hike is up to you how you want to make it. The highest dune in this area is at 140 ft, and a hike to it requires climbing a series of smaller dunes.
Sand Dunes Hike
Sand Dunes Hike
The height and shape of the dunes vary daily due to shifting winds and gravity. Hiking in sand dunes call for patience, as it is challenging to walk here at your normal pace. The burrowing sand definitely slows you down, but definitely this is a fun and relaxing walk.
On Top of Tallest Dune
On Top of Tallest Dune
Sand Dunes like these takes thousand of years to form. Flash floods and speeding storm waters would send tiny grains of quartz and feldspar from the weathered rocks and boulders up high in the mountains into the valley floor.
Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes
The aridity of Death Valley would dry out these tiny grains fast and the wind will blow the sand but they get stuck when they reach insurmountable obstacle. The sand then piles up, forming ripples and dunes.
Avoid the sand dunes during mid-day even in winter for the sand easily heats up. Best time to enjoy the sand dunes is either at early morning or late afternoon. For seeing ripples and animal tracks, the best time to visit is early morning.
On Top of Tallest Dune at Stovepipe
Happy sand boarding!
More of Death Valley National Park Wonders in Inyo County to come…….
Gorgeous for being sand dunes and sand boarding sounds like fun
However that heat would kill me. Anything over 70 degrees and I’m toast - burnt toast.
http://apoetsview.today.com
http://insanfrancisco.today.com
thanks, melissa and jodapoet.
@ melissa, thanks for the idea, it is a great one actually, i had been planning on that but my plans always remain just that, plans
@ jodapoet, actually, if you visit Death Valley december and january, their high is only in 60s and night is in the 30s, can even dip below freezing even at the lowest elevation when the sun fades. DV is definitely hot in the summer, but I do not also recommend that, as I too would get toasted with that
These are great pictures just like the rest. I have never seen lots of sand dune photos and these gave me a different perspective. Melissa is right, you should come up with a calendar with those photos. Just don’t forget about me. I will send you my address just in case…. hahahaha
Thanks, Melissa, Jodapoet, Ruthi, , Doris, Heidi, Carey and Soy.
@ Soy, you have excellent observation
Actually, you are correct, Death Valley is a rainshadow desert, the mountains to the West suck up all the moisture and gets the precipitation, therefore, the clouds usually hug the mountains and to know what is happening at the west side of the mountains, one just have to look at the clouds. It is definitely, dramatic, knowing that there is storm at one side while none at all at the other side.
@ Carey, we all can dream, cant we?
As much as I dream to one day set foot on Prague too and See Soy in England 
oh well, to dream is cheap but making it a reality means we have to save money 
One day…. btw, sa Bacolod ako, been here in San Diego for 4 years, 1 year in Connecticut.
I really want to cry just looking at this beauty that actually exists.
Thanks a lot, everyone.
@ Nova, I am glad you have finally enjoyed your first snowflakes
there in NY
@ Yanjaren, I usually am in tears whenever I get to those places, I can not help but be thankful to our Creator.
@ Pusa, yep, sarap mag-laro sa sand, pwede ring mag-sand board, basta sa umaga lang o sa hapon, kasi sa tanghali, umi-init talaga yung sand kahit malamig pa ang hangin.
@ Carey, sige ah, lagaw ta sa sand dunes, haha! Know what, we really have the Great Sand Dunes National Park, but it is not in California, it is in Colorado. Have not been there yet, but am sure it would be amazing.
@ Lala, thanks, the beauty of desert is not really for everyone. Many times I’ve been on its trails, and I encounter mostly tourists from Europe and Japan, than from California
@ Gem, yes, it indeed looks unreal, that is why they always describe desert landscape as surreal, as out of this world.