Kelso Dunes, Sand dune field in Mojave National Preserve, California.
The Kelso Dunes spread across 45 square miles of desert terrain, with sand peaks reaching heights of 650 feet above the surrounding landscape.
The dunes formed between 25,000 and 2,400 years ago when Lake Manix drained through Afton Canyon, exposing sediments that wind transported to their current location.
The Native American tribes of the Mojave Desert recognized these dunes as significant landmarks for navigation and seasonal movement through the region.
Visitors should bring adequate water supplies and begin their hike early in the morning to avoid extreme temperatures that frequently exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The dunes produce a deep resonant sound when people slide down their slopes, making them one of only seven known booming dune fields in North America.
Location: San Bernardino County
Part of: Mojave Desert
GPS coordinates: 34.90913,-115.76940
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:35
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