The many false summits made the trek to the top a little exasperating at times, but I was always able to console myself with the surrounding views. The Eureka Dunes are hands down my favorite place and my favorite hike in Death Valley. Getting to Eureka Dunes is a challenge because it is 50 miles of the most wash-boardy dirt road in the park. Death Valley National Park, The Eureka Sand Dunes rise nearly 700' from their base. They are located north of Ubehebe Crater. Nodules on the roots gather nitrogen from the air, an important nutrient not available in the sand. Death Valley, Moderate Trails | 0 comments. The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are good for a visit any time of day or year, with the caveat that in the winter, the rain may wash out the roads. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! Be ready for possible flat tires and no cell service or immediate assistance. Comparatively, the Panamint Dunes rise 340' and the Mesquite Flat Dunes 140'. Eureka Dunegrass Swallenia alexandrae Volcanic Tablelands to the Eureka Dunes. Rome2rio makes travelling from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to Eureka easy. The climb to the summit of the dunes is not an easy walk. We went over spring break and it was unbelievable. Making memories in #sequoiakingsnps The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are located in the southern part of Eureka Valley.Although covering an area of only 3 square miles (8 km 2), the dunes rise approximately 680 feet (207 m) above the surrounding valley floor, making them one of the highest dune fields in North America. There are 5 ways to get from Las Vegas to Eureka Dunes by bus, car, night bus or train. More information on all the sand dune systems in Death Valley National Park, Your email address will not be published. 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. Pristine dunes with lots of texture. Eureka Dunes are closed to vehicles. The Eureka Sand Dunes are the highest sand dunes in California and contain a towering mountain of sand spread out at the southern end of Eureka Valley near some beautiful Last Chance Range cliffs. Due to the spread of COVID-19, some points of interest may be closed or have restrictions. But the Eureka Dunes are the mac daddy of them all. Saturday, December 21, 0430 . When the sand avalanches down the steepest face of the highest dune, a sound like a bass note of a pipe organ or the distant drone of an airplane can be heard eminating from the sand. Find all the transport options for your trip from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to Eureka right here. This trail goes by Eureka Dunes. Location: Eastern California. We would also like to go to a golf shop on the way and find somewhere nice for lunch. This great trail passes two clothing-optional warm springs, a plethora of rock coloration, one set of 2.5 ledge obstacles and Eureka Dunes. 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. The humd, I was in my tent early after a long day of backpac, Getting high in the Sierra And what a journey it is. But if you want to experience sand dunes with few visitors, this is the place to go. I when I say you are out in the middle of nowhere, I mean it. is often the only plant found on the higher slopes of the dunes. What could possibly survive the hardships of this area? At the top, the sweeping view seems reward enough for your efforts, yet if the sand is completely dry you may experience one of the strangest phenomena to be found in the desert: singing sand. And what a journey it is. Elevation 2,887 ft / 879 m. Max Stay 30. This is a hummock -forming plant like the dune grass. Camp away from the base of the dunes where most of the endemic plants and animals live. They insisted it would be a good idea to stop for the night after a full day of driving over rough dirt roads, an idea I reluctantly agreed had some merit. . Unless you have really good offroad tires, you need to go SLOW. USA. The Eureka Dunes lie in the remote Eureka Valley, an enclosed basin at 3000 foot elevation located northwest of Death Valley. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in … On Thursday morning I was up early (yet again!) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Getting here is similar to the excursion out to Racetrack Playa: a long drive on rough gravel roads. It's a photographers playground. When I was there there were no other people and occasionally a fighter jet would fly over. Since there really is no path, I suggest you aim for the top of the highest dune and start heading up. Accessible by most standard vehicles via the Death Valley/Big Pine Road. If you are staying at one of the dry campsites, you can setup your tent and hike from there or you can continue driving along South Eureka Road, which flanks the dunes, until you find a suitable spot to park. The steep elevation gain and soft hiking surface make this a challenging hike. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Eureka Dunes. To be safe, make sure you have a spare tire and a can or two of Fix-a-Flat. Welcome to Eureka Dunes, one of the newest additions to Death Valley National Park. Before you go, check out the times of the moon’s rise and set. This is my method… Go as close as you can to the full moon, preferably in June, July, August or September. The Eureka Dunes are hands down my favorite place and my favorite hike in Death Valley. These dunes are lucky to get some occasional rain, which enables unique wildlife and plants to thrive there. Eureka Dunes are accessible by most standard vehicles via the Death Valley / Big Pine Road. Coming from the Stovepipe Wells area, the trip out to the dunes covers 86 miles and the last 42 miles are on graded dirt and sandy roads that range from slightly rough to downright bumpy. Bring food, water, and supplies to last you multiple days in the event you need assistance. Covering an area of only 3 square miles, these majestic dunes are tucked at the foot of the Last Chance Mountains in a dry lakebed, and are in one of the remotest areas of the park that is still accessible by vehicle. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Supporter Subscription Become a Campendium Supporter and enjoy ad-free browsing plus bonus features! The Last Chance Mountains loomed on my left, the Saline Range stood resolute on my right, and the Eureka Dunes spread down below my feet as I continued to walk along the upper crest of the dune. more less ; By Stephani Hukkanen. The Eureka Dunes are said to be the most spectacular sand dunes in Death Valley. The hike to the summit is intense, especially in the heat. The best option appears to be driving up the coast which takes us past a golf shop in Santa Rosa. Eureka Dunes are clearly a special place. The Eureka Dunes receive more rainfall than others in the Death Valley area because their location at the western base of a mountain range that captures precipitation from passing storms. I spied four fellow hikers about half a mile away on a lower dune and their silhouettes stood out starkly as the warm rays of the setting sun turned the dunes a golden-yellow. Its about 8 miles down Eureka Rd to the dunes. Eureka Dunes can be reached on a GP rated road. We lost track of time because our intention was to camp in Fish Lake Valley in Dyer, Nevada first, but it was pouring rain, so we decided to continue on to the dunes. We took CA State Route 168 to Eureka Valley Road to Eureka Dunes Road. If the dune is at all damp (even though it may not feel so to the touch) no sound will be made. The distant yipping of a coyote is interrupted by a mysterious rumbling sound emitting from the dune itself. The diretions to Eureka Dunes include intermediate detailed maps of each turn on the way. Stiff, spiny leaftips protect the plant from being disturbed by herbivores and careless hikers. . For perhaps 10,000 years these dunes have existed, providing a unique habitat for specialized lifeforms to evolve. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Candidate for the Endangered Species List. Then the wonderful rangers we work with gave us the amazing present of a Jeep for a day. At more than 680 feet, they are the tallest dunes in California and the second tallest in North America. . The Eureka Dunes are sometimes referred to as 'the singing dunes' for an eerie humming sound produced when dry sand grains - rounded and coated with silica - avalanche down steep faces of the highest dunes. Follow the Eureka Valley road south for ten miles until you see a large parking area on the north side of the dunes, which will have been clearly visible for most of this stretch of driving. The forms of captured motion. It is illegal and destroys the rare and endangered vegetation that exists only on these dunes. Maps recommend high clearance for the drive down to the dunes, but most passenger cars can make the trip with little trouble. From Los Angeles, it takes about four hours to get up to Big Pine. As tall as these dunes are, they are dwarfed by the impressive limestone wall of the Last Chance Mountains which rises another 4000 feet above the valley floor. The Eureka Dunes receive more rainfall than others in the Death Valley area because their location at the western base of a mountain range that captures precipitation from passing storms. Federally listed as an endangered species. Island in the Desert Please keep your vehicle on established roadways. These dunes are spectacular. Both beach and river access complete with a boat launch. Be sure to pick out some natural landmarks near your car because distances are deceiving as you walk along the dry lakebed to the dunes from your car. Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose Oenothera avita eurekensis The dunes run about 3.3 miles long (north to south) and 1 mile (east to west), with the highest point 700 feet above the base—making them the second tallest dunes in the country. Answer 1 of 3: I have not been to Eureka Dunes in over 20 years but I remember actually driving my 1984 Corolla all the way in with no problems. . The dunes are not really close to anything, but are 100% worth driving to. . Eventually, I decided if I had to give up sleep for a night to see the Eureka Sand Dunes and a spectacular night sky, it would be worth it. Learn how your comment data is processed. . Location: Death Valley National Park, California, USA, Trailhead: Various points off South Eureka Road; From Scotty’s Castle Road, take a left on Ubehebe Crater Road (3 miles), make a right onto Death Valley Road (33 miles), finally turn left onto South Eureka road and continue 9 miles until you arrive at the dunes. From the town of Big Pine there are 28 miles of paved road and 2l miles of graded dirt to the dunes. Also located in Death Valley, the Eureka Sound Dunes are another one you won’t want to miss. When I finally crested the top of the highest dune, I was elated and held speechless. Shining Milkvetch Astragalus lentiginosus micans Eureka Dunes. White sand and steep cresting dunes, an all-encompassing silence, and the feeling that one has found their way into Mother Nature’s bosom await those fortunate enough to complete the journey to the Eureka Dunes. #trailchat #bpmag #kingsc, Go, you'll never regret taking that trip. Endemic Plants & Animals Endemic Plants & Animals (PDF) Read More. Park here unless you have a 4WD vehicle. I see there are two possibilities. . If you crave a wilderness experience of solitude, silence, and stark beauty, than the Eureka Dunes, in the remote Eureka Valley of Death Valley National Park, are calling your name. I did this hike on New Year’s Eve and stayed the night to celebrate the New Year (the best New Year’s ever btw) and the temperature got down to 15 degrees. The Eureka Dunes receive more rainfall than others in the Death Valley area because their location at the western base of a mountain range that captures precipitation from passing storms. . Why this occurs is not fully understood, but may have something to do with the smooth texture of the sand grains and the friction of those grains sliding against each other. 16. . I was hoping to capture the photo of Sky Rock that I was really after on this little side trip from Death Valley. Its dense root system catches and holds drifting sand, forming stable hummocks. and hiking back to the Sky Rock petroglyphs well before the sun would come up for the day. Please have respect when you visit. The isolation of Eureka Dunes from other dune fields has led to the development of endemic species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. After arriving at the dunes, you have your choice of starting points for your hike. #pct202, Life doesn't get better than dispersed camping. Mad River County Park with coastal access This is one of the Redwood Coast's best beaches for picnics in the dunes, beachcombing and fishing. Campfires and driving off road are prohibited to protect endangered plants living on the dunes. Map of Eureka Dunes, CA with distance, driving directions and estimated driving time from neary any location. For perhaps 10,000 years these dunes have existed, providing a unique habitat for specialized lifeforms to evolve. 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. For perhaps 10,000 years these dunes have existed, providing a unique habitat for specialized lifeforms to evolve. Does anyone have a recommendation on the best route to take? Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over... Ready for navigation and good times! Fun for the whole family . The Eurek Valley is not frequently visited. The starting point for directions can be a city or town, an intersection or a specific street address. All text and photos © 2016-2018 Time for a Hike. Love the create your own trail aspect of hiking on, Oh starry night... Inyo County. Learn more: Boondocking 101. IMHO, that is WAY too much driving for one day. With careful driving, however, even rental SUVs equipped with 4-wheel drive can make the journey. As you climb, the views become grander and the shrubs on the valley floor turn into distant specks. Steel Pass Eureka Dunes 2.5 - GP Off Road trail in Beveridge, California (United States). Being the highest dunes in the state—reaching almost 700 feet— makes them one of the best to climb despite the fact that it may take a while to get up to the top. Required fields are marked *. reflects excess light and heat with a covering of silvery hairs to conserve moisture. At first glance the Eureka Dunes appear desolate. #pct2020 #pctig #. Eureka Dunes: It's A Long Ride but Worth It - See 122 traveler reviews, 129 candid photos, and great deals for Death Valley National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. *One thing to note is that the valley and dunes themselves are extremely cold in winter. They rise suddenly more than 680 feet above the dry lakebed at their western base. Your email address will not be published. The Eureka Dunes came alive as the morning sunlight cast shadows and highlights creating wonderfully abstract shapes. All the slopes are steep and the loose sand gives way beneath your feet. Only high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive can travel the unpaved, rough, and sometimes rutted roads. Please stay safe and call ahead to get the latest information. Singing Sand This is easier than it sounds because you are walking on sand and the incline becomes quite steep as you progress. Make sure to bring plenty of extra water. The final 10 miles of both routes is the narrow South Eureka Road. This is a place like none I have ever seen in California. Death Valley Trip 2013 | Day 6 Thursday, February 14, 2013. Plants and animals must endure the shifting sands, as a windstorm could bury them alive or expose them to the drying sun. With a cup of coffee and breakfast finished, we began to break camp and prepare for today’s trip. Try to choose activities that have the least impact on the land. Follow the footsteps up the dunes or to the ridge for the easiest and safest trip. The beaches, dunes and wetlands of the Humboldt Bay area can offer an outdoor adventure or that solitude you've been searching for. Besides 5 species of endemic beetles, 3 special plants have their entire range limited to this island of sand. has large, white, night-blooming flowers to take advantage of pollenators such as moths that avoid the heat of day. Be the first to add a review to the Eureka Dunes. Hotels near Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, 16,864 candid photos, and prices for hotels near Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park, CA. A pale mountain of sand appears to hover over the flat valley floor. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. They last 42 miles are mostly on graded dirt/sand roads; pit toilet, Length: 3+ miles roundtrip to tallest dune (distance varies by route); elevation gain also varies by route. Rather than a slow trek to the top, I opted for some sustained cardio and kept my legs pumping as fast as they would go until I ran out of breath and had to take a breather. White sand and steep cresting dunes, an all-encompassing silence, and the feeling that one has found their way into Mother Nature’s bosom await those fortunate enough to complete the journey to the Eureka Dunes. From the Ubehebe Crater Road you must travel 44 miles of graded dirt to the dunes. Lifeforms here may not be able to survive our carelessness. Tent Camping Yes. . These are again typically mostly dirt, washboarded roads. Day time temperatures were above freezing, but I was still bundled up until I worked up a sweat climbing the dunes. The eureka dunes are unforgettable. Rising close to 700 feet from the valley floor--what this dune field lacks in area, it makes up for in height. Overview of Eureka Dunes Dry Camp. Water blue, granite grey, and forest green. Rugged cliffs loom high above, boldly striped with pink, gray, and black. In my opinion, they offer the best dune photographic opportunities in the southwest. After trying to photograph just the right combination of light and shadow and form, it was time to begin the rest of our day. Sandboarding is illegal. When the leafy flower shoot is covered by windblown sand, roots sprout from the sides and a new rosette of leaves forms at the tip. Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park: See 122 reviews, articles, and 129 photos of Eureka Dunes, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 64 attractions in Death Valley National Park. The dry surface is deceptive, for dunes can hold water like a sponge. They rise suddenly more than 680 feet above the dry lakebed at their western base. Warnings: No water or services available. We also continued on to Furnace Creek and the more populated places in the park, but I wished we'd spent more time at the Eureka Dunes. Recreational activities such as sandboarding are not allowed on these delicate dunes. Plant found on the Dunes dirt, washboarded roads us the amazing present of a coyote is interrupted by mysterious! Beveridge, California ( United States ) the photo of Sky Rock petroglyphs well before sun. 'S dry to hear the singing sand all fours just so you can make trip. The singing sand the climb to the touch ) driving to eureka dunes sound will be.... 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