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Kelso Dunes, Essex

4.7
#11 of 33 in Nature in California Desert
Must see · Geologic Formation · Nature / Park
Kelso Dunes, also known as the Kelso Dune Field, is the largest field of aeolian sand deposits in the Mojave Desert. The region is protected by the Mojave National Preserve and is located near the town of Baker, San Bernardino County, California, and the Preserve Visitor Center. The dune field covers 45 square miles (120 km2) and includes migrating dunes, vegetation-stabilized dunes, sand sheets, and sand ramps. The tallest dunes rise up to 650 feet (200 m) above the surrounding terrain.
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Kelso Dunes reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
80 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By Perkadventures
    Found turn off on road into parking. Not well maintained - go slow to main hiking trail parking. Did not venture further. Bathrooms here and NO Water. Long hike to bottom of the dunes, problem...  more »
  • By saleenadam
    I would say this is a good place to visit if in this section of the Mojave Reserve but not really worth driving here just for the dunes. I came to the reserve to hike a mountain peak nearby but...  more »
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Google
  • By Martin Atalovic
    Long way to the top but it is worth it! I would recommend getting up early morning when the sun is not high and temperature is bearable. We went at noon and it was quite hot. This was in May. Make sure you have a plenty of water.
  • By Tim Mannix
    Very cool. Worth seeing. Not far off main Highway (40) gigantic mountains of pristine sand. I was there in late winter and it snowed lightly which was very neat. Great day trip
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