Home > Geology > Booming Dunes > Eureka Dunes, CA |
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 Photo courtesy Steve Hostler. |
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Height: ~750 feet Description: These dunes, which tie the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado as the tallest dunes in the country, are spectacular. They tower above the floor of Death Valley while dark mountains frame their perimeter. Although we visited the dunes in the summer because it was neccessary for our research, winter is definitely a better time to visit. If you do choose to go in the summer, carry extra water and blankets in your car in case you have a breakdown; the drive in to these dunes is rugged and remote, so you could be stuck for quite a while. Directions: Take Death Valley Road out of Big Pine (a town along Highway 395, which runs through the Owens Valley of central California). The road is paved for about 30 miles, but it's fairly slow because it crosses the Inyo Mountains. 10.8 miles after the pavement ends, turn right onto South Eureka Road. The parking lot, complete with restroom, is another 10.7 miles south. There is virtually no approach hike -- the dunes begin right at the parking lot. Allow 2 1/2 hours to reach the dunes from Big Pine -- the dirt road is passable but slow. Booming: These dunes boom loudly, at least in the summer. |
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