Hiking the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail (The High Dune) in Death Valley National Park
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park are a playground that brings out the child in anyone!
That said, the Mesquite Sand Dunes can be as much or as little of a hike as you’re looking to do. By this, I mean that most visitors simply hike into the dune field from the parking area to explore the nearby dunes in any number of directions. However, in this post, I talk about the hike to the most common—and typically furthest—destination that most people venture out to: the High Dune.
This is all to say that there is one best route to follow in order to maximize effort and minimize elevation gain, as hiking in a straight line toward the High Dune is neither effective nor efficient. However, by following the natural ridges up the dune field, as shown in this article, you can summit High Dune with the least amount of effort—and yes, to answer a common question: sand dunes here and elsewhere do not change shape. Rather, the winds simply blow the sand around, while the overall mass of the dunes—including the ridges shown here—remain the same shape.
Mesquite Sand Dunes Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Mesquite Flat Sands is located in a small paved parking lot just outside of Stovepipe Wells.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes is one of Death Valley’s most popular destinations, meaning that finding parking may be difficult during the middle of the day.
Google Maps Directions: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Death Valley
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Death Valley National Park.
Hiking the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail
Since there is nearly no shade in the dune field, sunset or sunrise may be your best options to avoid some of the exposure, especially during the hotter times of the year.
From the trailhead, the High Dune is the most visible dune in the field, and you can see it in the photo below between the bushes and the sign.
To hike to the High Dune, you more or less follow the main track of footprints straight toward the dune. There’s little places here and there to turn to make the hiking easier, but heading straight for it is what most people do.
In general, the main track of footprints from the trailhead is all heading in the direction of the high dune.
When you reach the ridge in the photo below, follow it to the right in the direction of the High Dune.
At this point in the photo below, turn left to go down and up the following hill. It’s the most direct route to reach the next ridge that leads to the top of the High Dune.
This ridge in the photo below is the main ridge to follow the rest of the way to the top.
Summit Ridge
In my opinion, the summit ridge has the most panoramic views of the surrounding dune field and the greater valley.
Many people bring a sled or a skateboard without trucks to have the most fun sliding down!
High Dune
The photo below is looking beyond the summit.
