Eureka Dunes

Eureka Dunes have the distinction of being the tallest sand dunes in California. Eureka Dunes are in Death Valley National Park. The dunes appear like a pale mountain of sand that rises over the flat valley. In part of the dunes are rugged cliffs with pink, gray and black coloring. Many have heard the yips of coyotes when traveling to the dunes.

To get to Eureka Dunes visitors must travel to Eureka Valley. The valley is enclosed in a basin with a 3000 foot elevation towards the northwest of Death Valley National Park. The dunes spread over 3 miles and are 1 mile in width. Some of the dunes are 680 feet above sea level in a dry lakebed. This is on the western base. The dunes are dwarfed by Last Chance Mountains, which are made of limestone. The mountains are 4,000 feet above the valley floor.

It is possible to climb to the summit of the dunes, but it is not an easy walk. The slopes tend to be steep. Gravel and loose sand can make the walk difficult as well. It is a rewarding walk because the sand sings when the avalanches of sand occur. The singing sand is not clearly understood.