Kelso Sand Dunes in the Mojave Desert

@maezee (41985)
United States
December 27, 2019 7:58pm CST
We stopped here on the way to our last destination, which was Tecopa, a couple of weeks ago when we were on this trip through the SoCal desert. We were driving up Highway 127 (or was it State Road 127?) through Mojave Desert to get up thorugh Baker and to our final final destination of Tecopa (more north). The drive through the Mojave was not nearly as interesting as I had hoped it would be, but I think I have "desert burnout". Also, it's winter and was dreary and windy. The Mojave is a federally-protected preserve but not very developed. There is a semi-legitimate trail at the Kelso Sand Dunes, and apparently one other couple-mile walking trail on the northern end of the Mojave Desert. Otherwise, not really any touristy destinations, spots, hikes, etc. Kelso Sand Dunes are located in the Mojave Desert, and are the largest "largest field of aeolian sand deposits in the Mojave Desert". They are located closest to the city of Baker, CA. The dune covers 45 square miles. The tallest dune rises to 650 feet above surrounding sand dunes, and they have exited for at least 25,000 years. But the origin is unclear. An interesting fact I learned about this, is that Kelso Dunes is part of the "Singing Sand" or "Booming Dunes". Meaning, when the sand is extremely dry, hikers can climb to the top of the dunes, slide down slowly and it creates a very low-frequency rumbling noise. Have you ever been to the Mojave desert or this region? Any thoughts? Or, any trips planned for the upcoming future?
5 people like this
6 responses
@TheHorse (238325)
• Walnut Creek, California
28 Dec 19
I've driven through there (in Summer, unfortunately), but I haven't really stopped to experience it. The low frequency noise sounds interesting to me.
1 person likes this
13 Dec 23
how long did you walk on the sand? I suppose it is difficult.
• United States
1 Jan 20
No I have never been but thanks for sharing Maezee..this is awesome!!
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
31 Dec 19
I have heard of it but have never driven through it. I have seen the dessert though in Arizona.
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
28 Dec 19
I used to camp in the Mojave frequently as a kid with my parents. Back then there were no fences and you could have bonfires.
@happylife1 (13403)
• Karachi, Pakistan
28 Dec 19
i like to visit desert but still not got a chance