Kelso Dunes Trail
Hike Desert Sand Dunes the Park Service's write-up
1-4 Hours · dogs allowed · Winter, Spring, Fall · season Summer temperatures frequently become dangerously hot for this hike, and there is no shade. Fall - spring provide perfect days for visiting the dunes.
Start Kelso Dunes
The trail up the Kelso Sand Dunes is the most popular in the Preserve for good reason: beautiful views from some of the largest dunes in America! The hike is approximately three miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 650 feet. This is a strenuous trail, as the last part is steeply uphill in sand. Fall and spring are the ideal seasons to hike, and morning and evening bring comfortable, spectacular light shows and temperatures. This trail is completely exposed and very hot in summer. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and keep your pets on a six-foot leash at all times.
Accessibility The trail starts off level, but gets more and more difficult as hikers get closer to the summit. The views get better and better as visitors climb the dunes. Most hikers choose the top of the tallest dune as their destination, but hikers can go anywhere in the volcano field that they'd like to. No matter what path visitors choose, there is deep, soft sand at a steep uphill grade that needs to be navigated. It is not an easy trail.
Hike the Kelso Dunes the Park Service's write-up
30-180 Minutes · dogs allowed · Winter, Spring, Fall · season Summer temperatures may be as high as 120 Degrees F. Hikers have suffered severe heat illness injuries who attempt to hike in midday summer sun. Summer hikers should consider hiking at night or complete their hike before 9 am. The distance to the highest point on the dune is further than it appears. Use caution!
Start Kelso Dunes Trail Trailhead
The spectacular and majestic Kelso Dunes are our most popular hike for good reason. When hikers reach the summit, they are rewarded with a surreal backdrop of sand that seems to extend forever. Although this is the most popular trail at the Mojave Preserve, potential hikers can still expect solitude.
Accessibility The parking area next to the trailhead has accessible restrooms and wayside exhibits. The first part of the trail has loose gravel and is flat. After 0.5 miles, sandy conditions prevail, and the route is not considered accessible to wheelchair.