Kelso Dunes
Kelso, CA
Dunes rising about 600 feet above the desert floor; slide down the steep faces and the sand can make a low booming sound. Climb early, not in the midday heat.
The Kelso Dunes in Mojave National Preserve form a vast dune field: the tallest dunes rise up to about 200 m (650 ft) above the surrounding terrain, and the field covers around 120 km² (45 sq mi). The sand is mostly pale quartz and feldspar, most likely eroded from the granites of the San Bernardino Mountains. The dunes are famous for their “singing” sand: slide slowly down the slopes and a low rumble can be heard and felt.
The trailhead is at the end of a graded dirt road of about 5 km (3 miles) that branches off Kelbaker Road. Kelbaker Road can be reached from Interstate 15 near Baker or Interstate 40 east of Barstow. Vehicles are not allowed on the dunes, but hikers are welcome. There are toilets at the parking area, but no water. Summers in the Mojave are extremely hot, so plan your climb for the cooler hours of the day.
- Nearest town
- Kelso, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.9000, -115.7150
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kelso Dunes MineCampsite1 mi from Kelso DunesFree
- Vulcan Mine RoadCampsite6 mi from Kelso Dunes
- Hidden HillsCampsite10 mi from Kelso Dunes
- Van Winkle MountainCampsite10 mi from Kelso Dunes
- Province Mountains SRACampsite12 mi from Kelso DunesTentsCaravans
- Hole-in-the-Wall CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Kelso DunesDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kelso Dunes?
Kelso Dunes is in Kelso, CA, at GPS 34.9000, -115.7150. It is about 32 mi from Baker.
Can you camp near Kelso Dunes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kelso Dunes Mine, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kelso Dunes?
Kelso Dunes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mojave National Preserve: dunes, depot and cinder cones and Salt, dunes and Joshua trees: by camper from Las Vegas through Death Valley and the Mojave.
What is there to see near Kelso Dunes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kelso Depot (9 mi), Hole-in-the-Wall (21 mi), Roy's Motel & Café (24 mi) and Amboy Crater (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kelso Dunes?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)