Kelso Dunes

what a BEAUTIFUL landscape! soft, rolling dunes and a big blue sky are sure to bring a serene smile to your face :) remember folks — water is a MUST and sunscreen is important as well. depending on how much you have in your pack and what kind of shape you’re in, it could take you anywhere from 1 – 2.5 hrs to summit. your calves are in for an extreme workout, but it’s well worth the burn!

THE SOUNDS WE HEARD WAS LIKE NO OTHER!
Me and The Crew headed out to the Mojave Desert for the weekend again and on our way back like last year, we stopped by the Kelso Depot Visitor Center on our way back home so those who missed out last year had a chance to check it out. The high point of this trip came after leaving the depot.
Our adventure took place at Kelso Dunes, also known as the Kelso Dune Field, is the largest field of eolian sand deposits in the Mojave Desert. The region is protected by the Mojave National Preserve and is located near the town of Baker, San Bernardino County, California, and the Preserve Visitor Center. The dune field covers 45 square miles and includes migrating dunes, vegetation-​stabilized dunes, sand sheets, and sand ramps. The tallest dunes rise up to 650 feet above the surrounding terrain.
OUR ROUTE:
The trail head is a mile or so of dirty, dusty road from the paved road. An easy to follow unmarked trail to the base of the dunes is a relatively flat with a mix of soft sand. The trek was a nice glute warm up for the 650′ one step up three slides down glute burning dune.
The 360 degree view from the crest of the dunes is breathtaking, both literally and figuratively. What goes up, must come down, and oh boy coming down the dunes was more fun than riding any roller coaster. Oh sure, if you have any fear of heights it can be intimidating, but once you get started racing down the hill, you’ll realize there’s nothing to be afraid of, it’s only sand, no rocks and no bushes. The more speed behind the run, the more awesome. With every running step comes a roaring sound, a bellowing sound and it’s just amazing.
HOP SKIP AND A JUMP!
What else is there to say? Running the dunes took us back to our childhood, a time when we did not know, nor understand the concept of fear. We were FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! WHEEEEE!!!

It is an extremely heavy hike to make it to the top of the tall dune. I suggest getting in somewhat shape before attempting this. Just keep pushing through, do not give up! Take tiny breaks when you need to but make it up in time to see the sunset! Take a lightweight sled designed for the sand so you can slide back down the dune. I took a snow sled to slide back down the dune and it didn’t work as well. Pack light, mostly essentials like food (sandwiches, chips, fruits, etc.) and a lot of water. Try to make it out before night fall. When i went it was waxing crescent moon so it was pretty dark… except for a spectacular view of the stars. Take a flashlight. I’m used to hiking through thick forests, so hiking in the dessert with no trees, across sand dunes was something new and exciting for me and I think it is something we all should try at least once in our lives… well, for those with a thirst for adventure and a love of nature. :) very beautiful place, well kept and clean.

Amazing view from the top of the dune. Love climbing and descending dunes.
It is surrounded by the vast land, mountains.
There is a spacious parking lot with the restroom.

Had so much fun here! Counted numerous lizards popping up from under the sand and even saw a turtle. We made it to the peak; it’s totally worth it! Bring more water than you think because the route is deceptively long.

This was PHENOMENAL. For two people from the Northeast who haven’t spent any time in the desert before, this was just amazing. It was very accessible by road but there were hardly any other people there — and only a few others had made it to the top. So be aware — this is no easy hike! As others have stated, the sand makes this a formidable trip — but absolutely worth it. It took us about an hour to get from the trailhead to the top, and I was dying (and I am a runner!). I timed it so that we would arrive there for the sunset and we made it early, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the incredible views, breath in the clean air, and listen to wind blow. We had the pinnacle to ourselves which was perfect. This was just a couple of weeks ago (early April) so the temps were in the perfect mid-​sixties/​low seventies range at the trailhead — but the wind at the top was intense and we had to keep moving to stay warm! When we walked back the almost-​full moon gave us another incredible view of the desert and the surrounding hills. This was an experience I will never forget and would recommend to anyone who can handle the hike!

This is a pretty cool hike to check out if you’re in the area. Don’t let the distance fool you it’s the incline of the sand that will really knock the wind out even the most experienced hikers. We were lucky enough to visit the place right after the rain so the sand was just damp enough to walk on without completely swallowing your foot with each step. It felt like I had robocop feet the entire time walking on an elliptical for an hour on the way up… BUT #WORTHIT BECAUSE the real winner of Kelso dunes is the breathtaking views of the valley once you get to the very top of the mountain. A lot of people like to bring boards to sled down the hills of sand once they reach the top which looks pretty fun !

Kelso is larger than any dunes found in the famous Death Valley.
It took an hour and 20 minutes from South Point Casino Las Vegas to get to the park and about 45 minutes to get to the dunes from the park entrance. The hike up the dunes was about 2 hours round trip.
We planned to hike to the top and sled down. I took my boogie board but that didn’t work. There were some teenagers there that was successfully sledding down with a sleigh. You can just hike to the top and enjoy the view. It was pretty hard hike as each steps you walk your feet sinks into the sand.
Where: Located on the Kelso Dunes road in Mojave National Preserve
Miles: 3 round trip
Elevation Gain: ~600 ft
Time: 2 hours round trip (not counting time spent on top of dunes)
You might want to take lunch, 2 liters of water, a camera and something to slide down the dune.

Great hike, I would suggest leaving early in the morning so that you can beat the heat (otherwise it will be torture, so if your a glutton for torture go for it). This trail is not a cake walk and I enjoy a good workout so I ran up and down several of the inclines (had to get my HIIT in), but be careful not to tire yourself out too much before you begin climbing up the largest dune. There are several different mini hills along the way, and this is that fine powder sand so or every two steps you take, you lose one step. Also as you get closer to the tops of the peaks you will hear the booming sound of the dunes, and as you begin to ascend back down. Due to the sand being so fine and sinking in it as you get closer to the top I suggest doing a spider walk. It is so liberating to reach the top and it is definitely a breath taking view. Trust me this hike will give the best physically fit person a good workout, I felt like I did several Pilates workouts after. The walk back seems so long so make sure you chill out for a minute and enjoy the view at the top. It takes approximately 1 hour 30 — 45 mins to get to the highest peak on the dunes and it is approximately 2.8 miles or so. Oh sorry to disappoint but there is no Aladdin, Princess Jasmine or a Magic Carpet waiting up top to take you back down.
Things to know: eat a breakfast before you go (you will easily burn it off) bring H20 (I suggest freezing it the night before), where sunblock, bug spray (the flies and bees love to follow you), bring a backpack to carry snacks, water, camera in, and do not forget your sun glasses. Where comfortable clothing: tee-​shirt and yoga pants are great. If you have some UGGs they are great at preventing sand from getting in your shoes and very comfortable. There are tons of lizards running back and forth through the sand that are the same color as the sand so be careful where your foot lands.

I feel bad giving nature an average rating. It’s like telling a mountain it’s too short or telling a flower it’s not pretty enough. However, I’m basing this on the enjoyment I get for my effort. It’s self-​centered and selfish, I know, but I’m human and naturally afflicted with those qualities.
First of all, the trailhead is here: N34° 53.535′ W115° 41.946′. You’ll have to drive down a gravel road so don’t take your one-​inch-​off-​the-​ground souped up Civic, but most sedans should be fine.
Aim to get to your stop by sunset, which at a moderate pace should be about 2 hours if you want to make it to the top. We didn’t make it all the way, and here’s why:
My friend had spent all day prior making fun of LeBron James being carried off the court due to cramps/​broken AC. This same friend broke down and almost passed out about halfway through this hike. Revenge may be best served cold, but karma is best scorching hot.
Being the desert, 100+ degrees weather is expected so carry plenty of water. I drank 4 bottles round-​trip and didn’t even need to pee at all. Flies were buzzing around me trying to drink my sweat.
For the trek, either wear walking sandals so sand can go in and out or high boots to keep it out completely. The sand is just like the beach variety so I was going to wear UGG boots since they’re made for that but forgot them at home 3 hours away. My hiking shoes filled up with so much sand I think I grew 2 inches.
We only saw 2 people out there so it’s seclusive and serene. The temperature drops about 5 to 10 degrees at sunset, and you can hike back in the shadow of the dunes while chasing the remaining sunlight. This is also when the dead silence is broken by small desert creatures finally emerging from their hiding holes.
Sand dunes are cool, quaint natural features, and if you’re like me, you’ll be playing in it like a kitty in a giant sandbox. However, I find the ones in Death Valley, like the the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, much more impressive while being more accessible.
I feel bad saying that one dune isn’t as great as another, but not everything in nature evolved equally. While every natural formation is unique, I’m going to compare and say I’ve had better. Hey, I’m only human.

While approaching the dune, I was blown away by how big it was. The sight of it, and the site itself, is incredible.
From the parking lot, the walk to the dune does not look lengthy, but small and easily conquerable. I was definitely wrong while ¼th into the hike. This was pretty hard, especially with the sun beating down on my back and the sand clogging up my shoes. But we made it to the top of the dune in about an hour and 20 minutes. The sight from the top is breathtaking and it was great to just sit and take it all in. It’s like you’re on the top of the world LOL.
It was also cool how the sand would «sing» as we slid down it. This made sledding down the dune more interesting.
To be prepared for this arduous hike, I suggest bringing an umbrella, lots of water, shoes, sunscreen, a towel, and a camera.

Well, you can’t really give this place a 4 star review, unless it’s for lack of restrooms. But who needs flush toilets? You’re in the desert to camp, not to live a life of luxury.
Anyways, parking is relatively small — 2 lots, but you’ll never see them packed up. This hike requires plenty of water, and shoes are advised (since you never know if you might step on a rattlesnake). It’s a great hike, a great park, and the views are spectacular.

I visited the Kelso Dunes in late-​December to go dune sledding. This was one of my favorite adventures of 2012, and I will definitely revisit soon. If you go in the winter, don’t forget the desert gets cold! Bring warm layers and gloves. This can be a great road trip if you just need to get out of L.A. for a day.
Here is a link to my blog for the full story with photos:

2^nd time to the Kelso Dunes. Truly an amazing sight… middle of the desert, middle of nowhere, and this enormous sand dune range. Wow.
I’m not able to make it up myself, but my friends have gone up and down twice now, and blown away both times. It’s quite a view from the pics they have taken.
Certainly worth the visit. Make sure to bring PLENTY of water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, etc. Even on days where its not 90 degrees, still a very tough challenge, and will need 2.5 to 3 hours depending on pace.

One of my all-​time favorite hikes!!!
About 2.5 hours from Vegas, these giant sand dunes are a TOTAL BLAST to hike! I went in April, when it was probably about 80 degrees out, and it was perfect. The dunes are pretty remote, down a long dirt road, so you don’t run into too many other people out here. They don’t allow sand rails and dune buggies out here, so you won’t run into any testosterone-​crazed rednecks, either.
It took me about a solid hour to climb to the top of the biggest dune. What a workout! You know how hiking in sand is… one step forward, two steps back! But once you do make it to the top, the view is amazing!
Major bonus: these are known as «Booming Dunes» that are composed of some weird silica that «sings» when you slide down them. The sand vibrates, kinda like a didgeridoo. Weird and cool, although not as loud and «boomy» as I had imagined. Still SUPER cool, though!
Camping is permitted at the Kelso Dunes, though I’ve never done it. There are no bathrooms or running water, so it would be boondocking for sure. But there are plenty of shade trees and a BBQ pit… and I bet it’s an awesomely quiet, relaxing spot.
When you leave, you can go back the way you came and stop in Baker for lunch (Mad Greek… holla!) or you can take Nipton Rd. instead, for a change of scenery that takes you through a Joshua tree forest and past some weird pancake rock outcroppings.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

One of the coolest places to visit in CA! As you drive up to the dunes, you see this behemoth of a thing rise above you… you think it’s a mountain, but then you realize. it’s made of sand!
Be prepared to trudge a fair ways (about 1 – 2 miles) to get to the top of the dune and trudging you will do… wear sunglasses and a lot of sunblock!
And when you reach the top… all you see are stretches and stretches of beautiful sand trail formations.
The best part is coming back down, you feel like a giant stomping over the world. Too bad we didn’t bring bobsleds … it looked fun to sand surf. =)

The massive Kelso Dunes look deceivingly close to the parking area, but my 9-​year old daughter and her friend asked to go back to the car once we walked to the base. Maybe it’s about ¹⁄₃ to ½ mile. When I saw how small people on top of the dunes looked and how much more we had to see that day, I decided we’d climb them another time.
From the bottom we took pictures and listened to the droning sound of sand sliding down the dunes. That’s something you certainly can’t experience every day.
The temperature that November morning was a bit chilly around 10:00 AM, but it warmed up quickly. Be sure to bring water, sun screen and a camera. There are restrooms at the parking area. The dirt road from Kelso Road is well maintained, and there is plenty of parking available.

I went camping out in the Mojave this past weekend and we went to the Kelso Dunes, and the only thing I can say about it is that it is amazing.
The hike from the parking spot to the bottom of the dunes was a little tricky (think soft beach sand for 1.7 miles), but the reward once we hiked to the top of the 600ft dune was kicking off our shoes and enjoying breathtaking view of the Mojave.
It was very windy up there, if your ears bother you, I suggest a hat with a bandana stuck underneath to cover your ears. Also, wear something over your eyes, as flying sand is not fun. Also bring water and wear sunscreen.
We hiked it at around 3:30/4 pm and that was a perfect time to hike, we got to the top and came back down just as the sun was beginning to set. I can’t imagine this hike being fun when it’s any hotter than 70 – 75 degrees out, so its probably best to do it in Spring, Winter or Fall.
pics here: