Eureka Sand Dunes - Death Valley National Park

I visited Eureka Sand Dunes on January 29, 1978.

From Wikipedia, The Eureka Sand Dunes are located in the southern part of Eureka Valley, in northern Inyo County in eastern California. Although covering an area of only 3 square miles (8 km²), the dunes rise approximately 680 feet (207 m) above the surrounding valley floor, making them one of the highest dune fields in North America.

Eureka Valley is a basin and range structural valley oriented northwest-southeast and enclosed by the Last Chance Range to the east and the Saline Range to the west. The Eureka Dunes themselves are located in the southeastern most tip of the valley and trend north-south, parallel to Last Chance Range.

According to a USGS survey map, the surrounding mountain ranges contain rocks that date back to the Mississippian and Cambrian periods while the surficial deposits on the valley floor are made up mainly of alluvium dating to the Quaternary period. They are also classified as booming sand dunes, one of only about forty worldwide. Watch this National Geographic - Singing Sand Dunes video:

Accessed via a gravel road in Eureka Valley (which connects to a road running from Big Pine to the Grapevine section of Death Valley), the dunes became part of the Death Valley National Park as part of its expansion in 1994.

Foot travel in the dunes is permitted, but vehicle access is prohibited. A primitive campground is located at the north end of the dune field.

Driving directions from Big Pine, California: Head north on US395 and turn right onto CA168 east. In about 2.3 miles bear slightly right onto Death Valley Rd/Waucoba Rd. Continue about 27.4 miles on Death Valley Rd. Keep right to stay on Death Valley Rd. In about 9.1 miles turn right onto S. Eureka Rd. Arrive at the Dunes in about 10.1 miles.

Portions of these roads can be rough. Be prepared with a spare tire and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return in case you get stuck with a break down if traveling alone.

For more information about the Eureka Sand Dunes check these links:

• Wikipedia - Eureka Valley Sand Dunes
• Death Valley National Park - Eureka Dunes
• ProTrails - Eureka Sand Dunes
• SummitPost - Eureka Dunes Highpoint
• Steve Hall's Death Valley Adventures - Eureka Sand Dunes
• Or just Google Search "Eureka Sand Dunes"