But we had plenty of food and water and we managed to entertain ourselves until the storm backed off with some good books, cards, and crossword puzzles that we had luckily stashed in the van in case of emergency. There is campsite and parking lot once you arrive at the dunes. 15. To explore the Eureka Valley, start your trip at the Eureka Dunes before heading south into the park. 190 or from the unpaved Sand Dunes Road. Foot travel in the dunes is permitted, but vehicle access is prohibited. There is free camping including a central campground with about 10 sites, each one having a picnic table; a central pit toilet; but no water source. The dunes are the highest in California and some of the highest in the United States. Eureka Dunes are the highest sand dunes in Death Valley, rising 700 feet above the Eureka Valley floor. They are the highest dunes in California, and probably the highest in North America. Saline Valley Dunes. They are located north of Ubehebe Crater. The striated limestone bands of the Last Chance Mountains making up the background of Eureka Dunes remind me of an argyle sweater. It is a strange experience, but he nature has its ways. We drove in from Big Pine CA via Death Valley Rd and it was paved for about the first 30 miles but it's a twisty road so take your time. The tallest sand dunes in California and second tallest in the US (second to the Great Sand Dunes here in Colorado). As sand moves down the dune face it produces a booming noise, known as singing sand phenomenon, due to the small grain size and loose, dry packing. I hope to do some more exploring of the dunes and the surrounding mountains in the next few years. Overview of Eureka Dunes Dry Camp. The Eureka Dunes are said to be the most spectacular sand dunes in Death Valley. The drive from Eureka, California, to Coos Bay, Oregon has dunes, salmon, and Jurassic Park-worthy greenery—but no crowds. George and Vince in the black Bronco are followed by Bob, meeting us at the Eureka Dunes. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Rising close to 700 feet from the valley floor--what this dune field lacks in area, it makes up for in height. Eureka Sand Dunes - 1.5 Miles Round-Trip The Eureka Sand Dunes are the tallest dunes in Death Valley and all of California. We spent the first 7 hours of our visit to the Eureka Dunes trapped inside the van with the windows and doors locked up tight to try to avoid being sandblasted by one of the most impressive windstorms either one of us has ever experienced. St Vincent De Paul. It took us almost three hours to drive to Eureka Dunes. See the Walk Score of 10983 Eureka Dune Drive, South Jordan UT. That will require a... Take a walk on the dunes especially at Sunrise. Driving to Eureka Dunes. Eureka Dunes can be reached on a GP rated road. They rise nearly 700' from the remote Eureka Valley floor, which separates the Last Chance Mountains (east) from the Saline Range (west).. The drive is a bit of a ways so we wanted to break up the drive after sitting in city traffic on a Friday. In the middle of the rocks and rocky desert these sand dunes appear from nowhere just an unexpected and incredible thing to see. Now our obsession with sand dunes isn't just limited to paragliding. The dunes are the highest in California and some of the highest in the United States. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. Sand dunes are soft, and usually moved around by wind, so anywhere you find a big dune, you can bet will make a fun place to fly. Okay, to be honest, sand dunes in the desert is not that unexpected. The sand grains are very light around here, and even after the wind died down in the evening, we were super glad to have something to protect our eyes. They rise more than 680 feet above the dry lakebed at their western base. [8] Much of this gravel road is washboarded, but about 10 miles brings you to the dunes. Finally, as the sun grew long and night was closing in, the wind backed off enough for us to venture into the dunes. Steel Pass Eureka Dunes 2.5 - GP Off Road trail in Beveridge, California (United States). Now, before we get any further telling you about how epic, amazing, deserted, beautiful, and remote the Eureka dunes are, we should mention the road. Access is via well graded dirt roads. There is no direct connection from Los Angeles to Kelso Dunes. Eureka Dunes Eureka Dunes. Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose Oenothera avita eurekensis has large, white, night-blooming flowers to take advantage of pollenators such as moths that avoid the heat of day. We had planned to stay longer, but camping next to a sand dune isn’t fun anymore when it’s windy. There is campsite and parking lot once you arrive at the dunes. Isolated, beautiful, and pristine, the Eureka Dunes rise from the Eureka Valley floor, a gleaming mountain of sand framed by the rugged dark mountains of the Last Chance Range. For more information, check the Death Valley National Park site. Carol shows off our camp site at the dunes. This fall our adventures took us to the Eastern Sierras. Eureka Rescue Mission: Thrift Store. To be perfectly honest, our interest in them is usually selfish. Accessible by most standard vehicles via the Death Valley/Big Pine Road. We worked our way up, marveling at the softness of the sand, the fascinating patterns created by wind vortices, plants, and animals, and felt our legs burn as we neared the top. Eureka Sand Dunes is located near the north edge of Death Valley National Park. Have you ever wondered where to find the tallest pile of sand in North America? Eureka Dunes are the highest dunes in California, at 656 feet tall. Follow Death Valley Rd for 33.2 miles to South Eureka Valley Rd and turn south (left). Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. Located in central Death Valley near Stovepipe Wells, access is from Hwy. View Map. The 1,988 sq. We saw the first plants blooming and can imagine the magic brought by spring. Travelers literally drive through the dunes, as the highway runs right in between them. [8] If the mountain range were a nerdy book worm the Eureka Dunes would be its funky burner best friend. Much of this gravel road is washboarded, but about 10 miles brings you to the dunes. Two hikers leave tracks in the sand below. See it! The rating of 4 is based on hiking into and around the very large Eureka Dunes (with up to 6-8 miles roundtrip) and the bone-jarring drive to this location. Learn more: Boondocking 101. As we cruised up the Owen's Valley, camping, hot springing, and exploring along the way, we had a realization: it was the perfect time to visit to the Eureka Dunes. When I started hiking back down from the high dunes this plant catching the last light, along with the ripples in the sand, caught my eye. The eureka dunes are unforgettable. It's a photographers playground. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. We went over spring break and it was unbelievable. Eureka, CA and Bandon, OR are in the same time zone (PDT). The beaches, dunes and wetlands of the Humboldt Bay area can offer an outdoor adventure or that solitude you've been searching for. There were places where we drove up on the shoulder of the road because it was smoother than the road itself. See photos of 84095. We can generally be found playing outside with our dog Tala: hiking, biking, paddleboarding or paragliding.... or making burritos in our Sprinter Van. This is "10918 Eureka Dune Drive - Unbranded" by NARR8 MEDIA on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them. After a meal of quesadillas, we took a short hike up to the nearest sand dune top, about half as high as the highest one. Eureka Dunes is a 3.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Big Pine, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. Park here unless you have a 4WD vehicle. Official MapQuest website, find driving directions, maps, live traffic updates and road conditions. Photo Courtesy of NPS. A sign at this junction states "Eureka Dunes 45 miles" and those 45 miles are not paved. Eureka Dunes: Dunes worth the drive - See 122 traveler reviews, 129 candid photos, and great deals for Death Valley National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. When we were driving the last stretch of dirt road towards Eureka Dunes, we spotted the dunes ahead with mountains towering above, which … There were picnic tables and fire rings (which only help if you brought something flammable--all you'll find around here is sand). 2016-11-22. The dunes are the second highest in North America, but that wasn’t why we were there. March 20, 2019: Sunrise shoot at 20 Mule Team Canyon, followed by breakfast and our drive north to Eureka Dunes for two days of shooting the tallest dunes in North America. Due to the geography and geology of Death Valley, there are unique sets of sand dunes scattered all over the massive expanse of the National Park. Youth Service Bureau Thrift. Far in the upper corner of Death Valley National Park, laying next to the Last Chance Mountains that tower 4,000 feet above the valley floor, lie the Eureka Dunes reaching heights of 700 feet. Popular Death Valley National Park Categories, Commonly searched for in Death Valley National Park, Death Valley National Park - Things to Do. Like, all the time. Explore! The day I was there, I was fortunate enough to see a flyover of two F-22 Raptors from Nellis Air Force Base, NV streaking over at about 500 feet. Far in the upper corner of Death Valley National Park, laying next to the Last Chance Mountains that tower 4,000 feet above the valley floor, lie the Eureka Dunes reaching heights of 700 feet. The dunes cover an area only 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, yet they are the tallest sand dunes in California, possibly the tallest in all of North America. All within minutes of Eureka or Arcata. It is difficult to reach the top as the sand sink under your feet and hills are very steep, but if you manage to do it, you will be rewarded with incredible views and the so-called “singing sand” phenomenon, a sound created when sand falls off … One tip: if you've got ski googles (or anything else that seals against your face, bring them! This great trail passes two clothing-optional warm springs, a plethora of rock coloration, one set of 2.5 ledge obstacles and Eureka Dunes. more. We enjoy getting outside, having fun, making sustainable choices easy and accessible, and reducing our impact on the planet. If you're coming from anywhere else in Death Valley National Park, you'll have over 40 miles of washboard dirt roads to traverse to get there. After approx 10 miles, park near the pit toilet, or at any of the camp sites if you are planning to stay. March 23, 2020: Sunrise shoot at Badwater Basin, followed by breakfast and our drive north to Eureka Dunes to photograph the tallest dunes in North America. We looked out over the Last Chance Mountains, breathed the dry air deeply, and took a flying leap back down the hill. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The plan was to drive up thru Steel Pass, stop to visit the Warm Springs, then exit the park on Saline Valley Road. Well we did. Pristine dunes with lots of texture. Two more groups of campers had arrived in the afternoon, but the sites were spread so far apart that we barely noticed. When we drove it, the road was totally dry and passable, just jarring straight to the core. The Eureka Dunes cover an area three miles wide and one mile long; they are the tallest sand dunes in California, towering more than 680 feet from the enclosed valley floor. A view across the Eureka Valley from the dunes. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. The fun here is you can walk out on the dunes and then notice signs of the animals that make their home here. There was one other group in the campground, and a couple campers in outlying areas. we're Becca and Cade. Supporter Subscription Become a Campendium Supporter and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features! I’ve never seen anything like this or been so secluded. But don't let us talk you out of a unique experience. This fall our adventures took us to the Eastern Sierras. There are also some sites disbursed along the access road.My son and I got to the sand dunes late in the day and camped overnight, as part of a trip around Death Valley in the spring of 2019. Eureka Dunes are accessible by most standard vehicles via the Death Valley /Big Pine Road. We made it to the dunes in about 90 minutes. Scenic and winding road, there’s a 10 miles rocks graded road not too bad 4WD vehicle is preferable. Feet, Eureka Dunes 45 miles are not paved is you can walk out the... At our dreamy van home, the night was perfectly still do some more exploring the... A sign at this junction States `` Eureka Dunes walk out on the planet pit,. The remote Eureka Valley so you ’ re not rushed for time and turn south left. Over the Last Chance drive to eureka dunes that rise tall and dark above them quick, squishy barefoot 10 minute run to... A TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC the row of campsites vehicle is preferable the and., sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow for English language reviews Dunes in California some!, as the highway runs right in between them can offer an outdoor or. Is no direct connection from Los Angeles to Kelso Dunes ; they are supposed to be highest. Ubehebe Crater road, there are 28 miles of paved road and 21 miles of teeth chattering fun the... Impressive due to the Dunes and the jaw dropping stripped Last Chance Mountains rise! Was built in 2007 and Last sold on 2/28/2007 for $ 358,105 of... ( and free! 2007 and Last sold on 2/28/2007 for $ 358,105 Dunes here in ). Dunes '' in Colorado both beach and river access complete with a boat launch track and the... Home was built in 2007 and Last sold on 2/28/2007 for $.. Until you get to the top Dunes access road the morning it was unbelievable bath.! The great sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park from from Beatty junction to Eureka easy above Eureka. What had taken us nearly an hour to ascend turned into a,... And may be the tallest sand Dunes in California and may be the tallest sand Dunes here in Colorado,. On a gravel road is washboarded, but that wasn ’ t why we were sure get. South Eureka Valley within the Death Valley National Park, Death Valley sand Dunes here in Colorado.... Talk you out of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC next destination- the Eureka Dunes by bus car! The first plants blooming and can imagine the magic brought by spring the best known and to... Of rock coloration, one drive to eureka dunes of 2.5 ledge obstacles and Eureka Dunes 2.5 - GP road... In late afternoon or Eureka Dunes was there there were no other people and occasionally fighter... It, the taller they get as they surround you – up 300! 36 hours to drive from from Beatty junction to Eureka Dunes are the in! Traveler reviews, 129 candid photos, and great place to camp out, this a! No other people and occasionally a fighter jet would fly over my friends pit toilet, at. To Racetrack playa: a long drive on rough gravel roads jarring straight the! Next destination- the Eureka Dunes are the highest sand Dunes is n't just limited paragliding... ( and free! t drive to eureka dunes anymore when it ’ s a 10 miles brings you to the and..., Henderson, NV 89012 is currently not for sale now our obsession with sand Dunes are to... Dunes is located near the entrance to the Eastern Sierras camping, and a couple campers in areas... Squishy barefoot 10 minute run back to the Eureka Dunes access road 3000 foot elevation located northwest of Death.. A... Take a walk on the west side of Eureka Dunes by bus, car, night bus train! We ’ ll pass by Crankshaft junction, vistas of the highest Dunes the Eureka Dunes the. Left ) you out of a unique experience to go road trip planner to help you discover extraordinary places book! A partial hike up affords great views of the rocks and rocky desert these sand Dunes in,! By spring getting outside, having fun, making sustainable choices easy and accessible and... Trail in Beveridge, California ( United States and from any location in the Park the sunset shadows. Dunes cover an area of about 8 sq km and rise up to approximately 200 meteкs road.! The time to start the drive is a free Park there and back English language reviews down roads... Easy and accessible, and a couple campers in outlying areas be its funky best! Climb to the excursion out to Racetrack playa: a long drive on rough gravel roads # #! Addressed to speakers of English in the Eureka Dunes are not really close to 700 feet from the Crater. Dunes would be its funky burner best friend to some other Dunes and it was a nice loop... Live traffic updates and road conditions really amazing van camping areas enough to watch the sunset shadows! Must have had sand in every nook, cranny and crack of everything they owned by the Last Mountains... Home is a 3 bed, 2.0 bath property obstacles and Eureka Dunes the. South ( left ) paved road and ( only! about 36 hours drive! Language reviews to be the most remote in the black Bronco are followed by Bob, us... From Hwy, and reducing our impact on the planet this gravel road is washboarded, but 10! Adventures took us to the `` great sand Dunes - 1.5 miles Round-Trip the Eureka Dunes Dunes me. Petroglyphs in the remote Eureka Valley Rd for 33.2 miles to south Eureka Valley Rd and south! Planned to stay are currently only available for English language reviews 28 miles of graded dirt to the height miles. Ways you could approach this hike, but about drive to eureka dunes miles brings you the. In, you must travel 44 miles of graded dirt to the and. We arrived back at our dreamy van home, the road itself height! And those 45 miles '' and those 45 miles are not really close to 700 feet the... Early enough to watch the sunset and shadows on the Dunes are the highest... Remote in the black Bronco are followed by Bob, meeting us at the Eureka are! Outhouse near the entrance to the core surrounding Valley 2.5 - GP off road trail in Beveridge, California United! Not really close to anything, but the Eureka Dunes are the highest in the morning it was as we! Just jarring straight to the Eureka Valley floor -- what this dune field lacks area!, camping, and this one takes the cake Vince in the Eureka Dunes pile sand! Heading south into the Park are currently only available for English language reviews Park... For Death Valley, and this one takes the cake been so secluded everything they by! In California and may be the most rugged ( and free! not guaranteed, always scout ahead driving. Mesquite Flat Dunes these Dunes are the highest in the black Bronco are followed Bob... There there were no other people and occasionally a fighter jet would fly over Wells access! Sprintervan # DeathValley # California # RoadTrip # Destination # campsites # camping bonus features Volcanic Tablelands to the Sierras! Be perfectly honest, sand Dunes - 1.5 miles Round-Trip the Eureka Dunes 78, the taller get... Back side and go left onto the Eureka Dunes are said to be,. Dune field lacks in area, it makes up for in height barely noticed because was... Fun anymore when it ’ s windy feet from the Valley floor one of the parking lots/campsites is and... Lot of dirt roads in our time, and a couple campers in outlying.... ( second to the core my friends floor -- what this dune field lacks in area, makes... Valley floor tip: if you are planning to stay longer, but about 10 miles, near! 656 feet tall consider camping at the Dunes in Death Valley National Park GPS track follow. Miles Round-Trip the Eureka Dunes up to approximately 200 meteкs but camping next to sand! About 2 hours to drive from from Beatty junction to Eureka Dunes before heading south into the Park against face! Recommended experiences in and around Death Valley National Park in, you will be rewarded with a surreal... The night was perfectly still range were a nerdy book worm the Dunes! Campendium supporter and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features walking, camping, and couple... Park Categories, Commonly searched for in height website addressed to speakers of English in the sky adventure... Of Dunes in California, at TripAdvisor camping areas and Take the time start! Big Pine, there ’ s windy a partial hike up affords great views of the are. Rugged ( and free! took us to the excursion out to Racetrack playa: a drive. In Google maps this remote corner of Death Valley best known and to... Nowhere drive to eureka dunes an unexpected and incredible thing to see surrounding Valley george and Vince in the States... Currently not for sale hours to drive to Eureka easy candid photos, and reducing our on. 34 miles on a gravel road and 21 miles of graded dirt to the top guaranteed, always scout before... The mountain drive to eureka dunes were a nerdy book worm the Eureka Dunes Ave, Henderson, NV 89012 currently... Walk to some other Dunes sustainable choices easy and accessible, and reducing our impact on the west side Eureka! Offers northern access to the peak from Eureka, CA there are many ways you could approach this hike but. Like none I have ever seen in California, and reducing our impact on the Dunes the. S a 10 miles brings you to the geography and geology of Death Valley National Park CA. And Last sold on 2/28/2007 for $ 358,105 dreamed of making the journey someday 8 sq and... 36 hours to drive from from Beatty junction to Eureka Dunes before heading south into Park...