Kelso Dunes Route

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

One of the Mojave National Preserve's more popular destinations, the Kelso Dunes are the largest sand dunes found in the Mojave Desert. The dunes cover 45 square miles and rise up to 650 feet. The dunes are known as "booming dunes," a reference to the low-frequency rumble that can occur when large amounts of sand flows down the slopes.

Pit toilets are located at the trailhead. Water and visitor information is available Kelso Depot, 8.0 miles to the north on Kelbaker Road.

The Mojave Desert is very remote and the temperatures can range from extreme heat to below freezing at night, even outside of summer. Always carry extra water and follow good backcountry safety practices when visiting.

The dunes are accessed from a marked trailhead just off Kelbaker Road. Take Kelbaker Road south from Kelso Depot for approximately 8.0 miles to Kelso Dunes Road. The trailhead is a short distance down the road on the right. There are information signs and pit toilets at the trailhead. The trail travels about a half mile to the edge of the sand. One can turn around here, or continue cross-country up the steep, sandy slope to the top of the dunes.

Many species of desert wildlife call the dunes home, and their tracks are visible all over the soft sand. There are several species that are endemic to the sand dunes, such as the Kelso Jerusalem Cricket.