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.

U.S. National Park Pass

Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?

Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!

America the Beautiful Pass

Shop REI

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

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trailhead Parking

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trailhead Parking

 

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.

  1. Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.

  2. Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!

  3. Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!

  4. Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)

  5. Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

  6. Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.

  7. High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!

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.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trailhead

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

In general, the main track of footprints from the trailhead is all heading in the direction of the high dune.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

When you reach the ridge in the photo below, follow it to the right in the direction of the High Dune.

Follow this Ridge

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

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.

Go Left

This ridge in the photo below is the main ridge to follow the rest of the way to the top.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

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!

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - (High Dune) Trail

Almost There!

High Dune

The photo below is looking beyond the summit.

The Summit

Looking Back

Looking Southeast

Best Way to Find Places to Stay!

Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.

Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!

Park Butte Fire Lookout Washington

Washington

Best Way to Book Rental Cars!

I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.

In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!

Book Here: Discover Cars

Avenue of the Giants

Discover Cars!

Safety

For obvious reasons, Death Valley National Park is widely known for its extreme temperatures and extreme temperature swings, as the park spans from -282 ft. (-86 m) at Badwater Basin to just over 11,000 ft. (3,353 m) atop Telescope Peak.

That being said, the National Park Service recommends visiting in October - April, but even then, exposed hiking during October and April can be pushing it. However, November - February are easily the most desirable months to hike in Death Valley, with the best spring flowers peaking from late March to early April.

Additionally, there are three venomous snakes in Death Valley, as well as scorpions and black widow spiders, meaning it’s important to be mindful where you place your hands and feet—especially when scrambing in the canyons.

In all, always hike with 2-3L of water per person and never take the extreme weather conditions lightly, as the heat has claimed many lives over the years!

As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.

Giant Hairy Scorpion - (Hadrurus arizonensis)

U.S. National Parks Pass

Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?

Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!

More U.S. National Parks

If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!

Disclaimer

All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.

Noah Lang Photography LLC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here, and readers should use their own discretion, judgement, and seek professional advice where needed.

Furthermore, Noah Lang Photography LLC shall not be held responsible for any injuries, lost individuals, or legal issues arising from the use of information provided on this website, and if applicable, the above safety disclaimer should be referenced to provide a generic overview of the risks involved.

All said, the content on this blog is for the sole use of Noah Lang Photography LLC, and unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.

Disclosure

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