Kelso Sand Dunes

USA / California / Twentynine Palms Base /
Kelso Dunes, also known as the Kelso Dune Field, is the largest field of eolian sand deposits in the Mojave Desert. The region is protected by the Mojave National Preserve and is located near the town of Baker, San Bernardino County, California. The dune field covers 45 square miles (115 km²) and includes migrating dunes, vegetation-stabilized dunes, sand sheets, and sand ramps. The tallest dunes rise up to 650 feet (200 m) above the surrounding terrain.

It is now illegal to visit the dunes (unless you can hike in). The dunes and the surrounding area have been declared a Wilderness, where vehicular travel on the existing roads is now prohibited.
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelso_Dunes
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   34°55'27"N   115°45'32"W

Comments

  • The Kelso Dunes are the second tallest dunes in the state. The Eureka Dunes, in Death Valley, are California's tallest dunes.
  • These dunes are "singing" dunes. The size of the sand grains are the proper material and size that if the humidity is right, the sand will make a booming or thrumming sand when kicked downslope. There are only 35 places in the world where this phenomena occurs. The Eureka Dunes, as mentioned by desu, are also singing dunes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing_sand
This article was last modified 8 years ago