Dune Swoon

Sunset at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park

02.17.2021
Woman standing on top of a sand dune at Mesquite Flat in Death Valley National Park at Sunset

Of all the places to catch a sunset in Death Valley, we still think there’s none better than the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Located 2 miles east of Stovepipe Wells (where you can find a General Store and bathroom), these marquee dunes of Death Valley inspire many things, including log rolls, cartwheels, and plenty of selfies.

Park in the large lot off Highway 190 and be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp because you’re likely to want to linger longer after sunset, and sand-walking can be slow going. Nevertheless, pack a picnic and start walking north to the dune of your desire. That tallest one is about a mile away. Pick your spot and climb the spine or run upward (surprisingly hard work).

Woman walking to a sand dune at Mesuqite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley

Spread a blanket or sit on your pack and break out your picnic while waiting for the big show … the dunes are so vast here you’re able to have some privacy even if it’s busy. As the sun sets, the colors across the mountains shift from rose to violet. Don’t leave too soon ... this is a choice spot for a little stargazing or getting some entertainment from your moon shadow. Just be sure to head back before it gets too dark … and keep an eye out for the shadow figures of the elusive desert fox or coyote … the thrills keep coming.

Woman on sand dune at Mesquite Flat at sunset in Death Valley National Park

Sunrise Bonus: Where do you go for a heavenly sunrise? Dante’s View, a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Bring a thermos of coffee and a good morning attitude (ahem), then watch as the sky gives way to the hot pink band inching up.

Hiker at Dante

When it’s light enough, explore the short trails here for more perspectives and, of course, rise-and-shine selfies. If you have a really crisp and clear morning, you can contrast the lowest and highest points in the contiguous US: Badwater (Death Valley) and Mount Whitney (Sierra).

Directions to Dante's View: Turn off at Hwy. 190 east of Furnace Creek, and follow the signs for Dante’s View.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Life and Death Experience" Weekend Sherpa co-founders Brad and Holly recorded part of their podcast from the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Listen to the conversations about their favorite adventures in Death Valley.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

  3. Hike the Rainbow

    Catch all the colors of a rainbow at Calero County Park on this 10-mile hike currently showcasing the season’s best blooms.

    View
  4. Hike Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve

    Purisima Charisma

    Hundred-foot redwoods, a shaded canyon, and views overlooking Half Moon Bay. This 10-mile loop hike in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a roller-coaster of uphill and downhill along with easygoing stretches through some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful landscape.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on a guided horseback tour with Central Coast Trailrides at Santa Margarita Ranch near Paso Robles

    Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides

    Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.

    View
  2. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View