THING TO DO

Visit Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Large sand dunes with hikers and distant desert mountains.
Hikers enjoying the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

NPS photo

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are largest dune field in the park. This dune field includes three types of dunes: crescent, linear, and star shaped. Polygon-cracked clay of an ancient lakebed forms the floor. Mesquite trees have created large hummocks that provide stable habitats for wildlife. All of this makes for a very interesting place to visit! The sand dunes can be viewed from the parking area, but are also open to cross country hiking and are a great place to wander. Enjoy the sunrise and the sunset here for fantastic contrast on the dunes as the surrounding mountains turn pink from the sun's rays.
Star Wars Fans? Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope filmed scenes here. Recognize the sand dunes of Tatooine?

Star Wars, a New Hope, was filmed in the national park a few decades ago, when that type of filming was permitted. We would not allow the vast majority of the filming that was done now because of the prohibition on commercial filming in wilderness. More permit information can be found on our permits page.
Details
The dunes can viewed from your vehicle or explored for hours. 
You may take your pet along roads, to campgrounds, picnic areas, and other developed areas of the park, but they must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside most buildings or on trails (including to Zabriskie Point), but you also can not leave them in your car while you are away.
Included in your entrace fee or acceptable pass. 
CA-190 - 30 minutes (19mi / 31km) west of Furnace Creek. Paved road with parking large enough for buses and RV's. Primitive restrooms available in parking lot.
The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are most safely viewed from your vehicle during the summer months. The cooler months are the best time to explore the dunes. 
Accessibility Information
The parking area is located next to the dunes. There is no paved path through the sand. The dunes can be viewed from the parking area. 

Last updated: May 25, 2018