Photographing the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are the most photographed dunes at Death Valley National Park. To reach the dune’s parking lot from Furnace Creek, drive 22 miles west on Highway 190. Three miles before you reach Stovepipe Wells, the dunes will be clearly visible from the road and you’ll turn right into the parking lot. There’s no official trailhead to get to the dunes so follow the path of least resistance toward the dunes to make your hike as comfortable as possible. If you’re like us, you’ll want to get to the dunes with the highest peak to get the best views, which is about a quarter mile trek.

The best time to photograph the dunes is during sunrise or sunset when the dunes cast shadows creating a stunning contrast. With the right lighting, the dynamic shadowing on the dunes makes all the difference in your photos. It’s not uncommon to see sandboarders taking advantage of the smooth faces of some of the taller dunes. No permit is required for sandboarding at the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Carrying your board up and down the dunes can be pretty punishing in the desert sun but, it’s definitely worthwhile. The dunes are constantly changing and their appearance can vary quite a bit depending the season and the wind conditions. Bring some drinks and enjoy the view!