Hidden in the deserts of Nevada and California are monuments to the awesome beauty of nature – sand dunes. These sand dunes provide a unique opportunity to enjoy nature at its boldest and most enjoyable. Whether you visit for a day or a week, take a hike or an ATV, these sand dunes are an adventure you and your family will not soon forget. Now, are you ready to get sandy? Here’s a list of the top sand dunes in Nevada and California:

Death Valley Sand Dunes (California)

The most notable of the dunes is the Eureka Dunes area located in the Eureka Valley. The Eureka Dunes feature steep summits that are a challenge to climb, but offer breathtaking views for those who reach the top.

GPS Coordinates: 37° 5′4.30″N, 117°40′25.88″W

Dumont Sand Dunes (California)

Volcanic hills surround these majestic sand dunes that offer miles and miles of natural beauty. The Dumont Sand Dunes are frequented by off-road drivers and the ATV riders who come from miles around to take advantage of the 8,000-plus acres of open sandy ranges. During the spring, wildflowers add an unforgettable touch of color to the area.

GPS Coordinates: 35° 41.20 N / 116° 10.61 W

Imperial Sand Dunes (California)

The Imperial Sand Dunes represent the largest single sand dune area in California. Unique plants and flowers make their home in the northern range of the dunes, which are protected under California law prohibiting ATV use in the area. For 40 miles straight down the border of the Imperial Dunes, you will experience incredible beauty and exciting hills to climb.

GPS Coordinates: 32° 58.29 N / 115° 10.32 W

Sand Mountain (Nevada)

The endangered Blue Mountain butterfly makes its home in the world-famous Sand Mountain Dunes, so keep your eyes peeled! You won’t want to miss this beautiful, yet reclusive creature. The Sand Mountain Dunes feature miles of marked trails for off-roading, camping, and long hikes in the sand.

GPS Coordinates: Top of Sand Mountain - 39° 18.34 N / 118° 24.17 W (4457 ft.)

Armagosa Sand Dunes (Nevada)

Just a couple of hours northwest of the bright lights of Las Vegas is a most decidedly non-neon thing of beauty: the Armagosa Sand Dunes. These dunes are a secret getaway for Vegas locals who will stroll for hours through more than 100 miles of sand crests and deep, rich dunes that span the area. Be aware, however, that on weekends the area is a rallying point for ATV fans from all over Nevada and California.

GPS Coordinates: Valley View Rd. & Hwy 95: N 36 40 842 / W 116 32 579

Each one of these prime locations feature ample trails and camping areas surrounding the dunes, so plan your trip and get out there!

Tips for getting the most out of your sand dunes adventure

So you made it to the sand dunes? Congratulations! At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, “What the heck do I do now?” Fear not, because we’ve compiled the following tips that will help you get the most out of your sandy excursion.

Tip #1 – Enjoy a moonlight stroll, but exercise caution

There’s nothing quite as majestic as the sand dunes of Death Valley and other western locales at, or just after sundown. You can really feel what photographers like Ansel Adams must have experienced when snapping all those famous images. Just a word of caution: you’re not the only one who might be out for an evening stroll. Rattlesnakes are a common sight in the evenings, so be sure and keep alert – and always wear the proper footwear.

Tip #2 – Visiting the dunes in the summer? Try to get an early start!

If you are going to be visiting the sand dunes of California and Nevada in the summer months, plan on doing most of your adventuring in the morning. Other than after sundown, the days find the sand getting incredibly hot. Seeing mirages and panting for water really takes the fun out of the day, so plan accordingly!

Tip #3 – Bring a board!

Got a snowboard, an ironing board, or even a plain old piece of cardboard? Then bring it along when you visit the dunes and enjoy an incredibly fun ride (or three) from the crest of the dune on down to the bottom. It’s going to get hot – and you may end up with a little sand in your mouth – but we promise that it’s going to be a blast.

Tip #4 – Bring a camera

When you walk the sand dunes, you will be treated to some of the finest photo opportunities in the natural world. The sand creates unique sculpted structures – especially when set against the rising sun or an early-evening moon. You won’t want to miss any of these once-in-a-lifetime shots, so bring a small digital camera that fits comfortably in your bag or pocket.

The Best Way to Find and Navigate the Sand Dunes of the Western United States

Without the proper navigation, you could drive around the desert roads and highways of Nevada and California for hours – and the only thing you’ll see of interest is your fuel gauge slowly making its way toward “E.” A high-tech GPS device, however, can get you from point A to point B quicker than you can say dune buggy. And, once you’re in the sand dunes, the GPS can prove to be even more valuable. It’s easy to lose your way while driving around in the sand (especially considering all the fun you’ll be having).

One of the best ways to enjoy the sand dunes using a GPS is to purchase pre-made GPS maps. GPS maps allow you to easily program in all the points of note in the area beforehand – helping you make sure that you see everything on your to-do list without getting lost or (literally) wandering the desert for hours at a time…all with a quick click or two!

Tags: armagosa sand dunes, california sand dunes, death valley sand dunes, dumont san dunes, imperial sand dunes, nevada sand dunes, sand mountain nevada

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm and is filed under Outdoor Excursions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.