Kelso Dunes rise about 650 feet above the surrounding basin in the southern part of Mojave National Preserve, making them one of the tallest dune fields in the Mojave Desert. They are one of only a handful of dune fields in North America known to produce a low booming or rumbling sound when dry sand slides down the steep upper slopes. The sand built up over thousands of years from sediments carried by wind from the Mojave River sink, roughly 35 miles to the west.
Details
- Type
- Point of Interest
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
The dune field covers about 45 square miles and reaches its high point at roughly 650 feet above the valley floor. Most of the sand accumulated between about 2,400 and 9,000 years ago from sediment once deposited in ancient Lake Manix, exposed and blown eastward as the regional climate dried. Surrounding mountains funnel wind into the same spot, which keeps the sand piling up in place rather than marching across the landscape.
The booming sand
When conditions are dry and visitors slide or run down the steepest crests, the sand can produce a deep rumble you can feel as much as hear. The effect depends on grains that have traveled far enough to become very rounded and smooth, and it works best on undisturbed slopes after a long dry spell. Damp sand will not boom, so the sound is far less likely after rain.
Getting there and what to bring
The hike to the highest crest runs about 3 miles round trip with roughly 600 feet of gain, and the loose sand makes it harder than the distance suggests. Plan on 2 to 3 hours. The dirt access road off Kelbaker Road is bumpy and potholed, so drive slowly. There is no water and no shade at the trailhead, summer surface temperatures can reach 120 degrees, and hiking the dunes in summer is not advised. Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and start early in the cooler months.