Eureka Dunes are clearly a special place. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. The best option appears to be driving up the coast which takes us past a golf shop in Santa Rosa. . This is easier than it sounds because you are walking on sand and the incline becomes quite steep as you progress. The Eureka Dunes lie in the remote Eureka Valley, an enclosed basin at 3000-foot elevation located northwest of Death Valley. You may soon find yourself on all fours just so you can make decent progress. As you climb, the views become grander and the shrubs on the valley floor turn into distant specks. I when I say you are out in the middle of nowhere, I mean it. Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose Oenothera avita eurekensis This is a difficult one way trail to Eureka Dunes Dry Camp in Death Valley National Park. A Special Place Welcome to Eureka Dunes, one of the newest additions to Death Valley National Park. Bring food, water, and supplies to last you multiple days in the event you need assistance. Location: Eastern California. more less ; By Bill Jamison. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. It is illegal and destroys the rare and endangered vegetation that exists only on these dunes. In my opinion, they offer the best dune photographic opportunities in the southwest. We are coming to Bandon Dunes for Christmas, we are driving from SFO airport. And what a journey it is. If the dune is at all damp (even though it may not feel so to the touch) no sound will be made. Required fields are marked *. The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are located in the southern part of Eureka Valley.Although covering an area of only 3 square miles (8 km 2), the dunes rise approximately 680 feet (207 m) above the surrounding valley floor, making them one of the highest dune fields in North America. Making memories in #sequoiakingsnps The steep elevation gain and soft hiking surface make this a challenging hike. The drive from Carson City to the dunes was at least 4 hours. The Eurek Valley is not frequently visited. Most importantly, OFF ROAD VEHICLE TRAVEL IS NOT PERMITTED ON THE DUNES, or any where else in Death Valley National Park for that matter. Follow the Eureka Valley road south for ten miles until you see a large parking area on the north side of the dunes, which will have been clearly visible for most of this stretch of driving. Highest Dunes We didn’t want to take our truck – our suspension is built for towing heavy things, not driving on washboard roads – so we decided to rent a Jeep. Rising close to 700 feet from the valley floor--what this dune field lacks in area, it makes up for in height. Maps recommend high clearance for the drive down to the dunes, but most passenger cars can make the trip with little trouble. They rise suddenly more than 680 feet above the dry lakebed at their western base. 16. The Eureka Dunes receive more rainfall than others in the Death Valley area because their location at the western base of a mountain range that captures precipitation from passing storms. Both beach and river access complete with a boat launch. Stiff, spiny leaftips protect the plant from being disturbed by herbivores and careless hikers. In March, I'll be going to Death Valley in a 24 foot Winnebago. This is a hummock -forming plant like the dune grass. The Eureka Dunes are hands down my favorite place and my favorite hike in Death Valley. We lost track of time because our intention was to camp in Fish Lake Valley in Dyer, Nevada first, but it was pouring rain, so we decided to continue on to the dunes. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It's a photographers playground. The Eureka Sand Dunes are the highest sand dunes in California and contain a towering mountain of sand spread out at the southern end of Eureka Valley near some beautiful Last Chance Range cliffs. For perhaps 10,000 years these dunes have existed, providing a unique habitat for specialized lifeforms to evolve. Since there really is no path, I suggest you aim for the top of the highest dune and start heading up. USA. *One thing to note is that the valley and dunes themselves are extremely cold in winter. This is a place like none I have ever seen in California. These dunes are lucky to get some occasional rain, which enables unique wildlife and plants to thrive there. A pale mountain of sand appears to hover over the flat valley floor. #pct2020 #pctig #. . When the sand avalanches down the steepest face of the highest dune, a sound like a bass note of a pipe organ or the distant drone of an airplane can be heard eminating from the sand. These are again typically mostly dirt, washboarded roads. The beaches, dunes and wetlands of the Humboldt Bay area can offer an outdoor adventure or that solitude you've been searching for. The dry surface is deceptive, for dunes can hold water like a sponge. Rugged cliffs loom high above, boldly striped with pink, gray, and black. Please stay safe and call ahead to get the latest information. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! To get to Eureka Dunes, keep driving on the Death Valley-Big Pine road for about 33 miles to the Eureka road, on the left. Be sure to pick out some natural landmarks near your car because distances are deceiving as you walk along the dry lakebed to the dunes from your car. The Eureka Dunes are hands down my favorite place and my favorite hike in Death Valley. The dunes run about 3.3 miles long (north to south) and 1 mile (east to west), with the highest point 700 feet above the base—making them the second tallest dunes in the country. Eureka Dunes are accessible by most standard vehicles via the Death Valley / Big Pine Road. Make sure to bring plenty of extra water. Tent Camping Yes. Be the first to add a review to the Eureka Dunes. But the Eureka Dunes are the mac daddy of them all. They insisted it would be a good idea to stop for the night after a full day of driving over rough dirt roads, an idea I reluctantly agreed had some merit. From Los Angeles, it takes about four hours to get up to Big Pine. The Eureka Dunes are located in a remote section of the northern part of Death Valley. Pristine dunes with lots of texture. The Eureka Dunes receive more rainfall than others in the Death Valley area because their location at the western base of a mountain range that captures precipitation from passing storms. Eureka Dunes: It's A Long Ride but Worth It - See 122 traveler reviews, 129 candid photos, and great deals for Death Valley National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. Love the create your own trail aspect of hiking on, Oh starry night... Shining Milkvetch Astragalus lentiginosus micans The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are good for a visit any time of day or year, with the caveat that in the winter, the rain may wash out the roads. Park here unless you have a 4WD vehicle. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This trail goes by Eureka Dunes. Inyo County. Eureka Dunes can be reached on a GP rated road. Eureka Dunegrass Swallenia alexandrae Lifeforms here may not be able to survive our carelessness. The dunes cover an area only 3 miles long and 1 mile wide, yet they are the tallest sand dunes in California, possibly the tallest in all of North America. I sat quietly for a time alone with my thoughts and then started my journey back to camp. Fun for the whole family . Twenty Mule Team Canyon. Hotels near Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park on Tripadvisor: Find traveller reviews, 16,864 candid photos, and prices for hotels near Eureka Dunes in Death Valley National Park, CA. At the top, the sweeping view seems reward enough for your efforts, yet if the sand is completely dry you may experience one of the strangest phenomena to be found in the desert: singing sand. Nodules on the roots gather nitrogen from the air, an important nutrient not available in the sand. The distant yipping of a coyote is interrupted by a mysterious rumbling sound emitting from the dune itself. We went over spring break and it was unbelievable. more less ; By Stephani Hukkanen. Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over... Ready for navigation and good times! When the leafy flower shoot is covered by windblown sand, roots sprout from the sides and a new rosette of leaves forms at the tip. The hike to the summit is intense, especially in the heat. Federally listed as an endangered species. After arriving at the dunes, you have your choice of starting points for your hike. Then the wonderful rangers we work with gave us the amazing present of a Jeep for a day. Eureka Dunes, Death Valley National Park: See 122 reviews, articles, and 129 photos of Eureka Dunes, ranked No.18 on Tripadvisor among 64 attractions in Death Valley National Park. When I finally crested the top of the highest dune, I was elated and held speechless. They rise suddenly more than 680 feet above the dry lakebed at their western base. All within minutes of Eureka or Arcata. . Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in … They last 42 miles are mostly on graded dirt/sand roads; pit toilet, Length: 3+ miles roundtrip to tallest dune (distance varies by route); elevation gain also varies by route. There are 5 ways to get from Las Vegas to Eureka Dunes by bus, car, night bus or train. From the Ubehebe Crater Road you must travel 44 miles of graded dirt to the dunes. From the Ubehebe Crater Road you must travel 44 miles of graded dirt to the dunes. Volcanic Tablelands to the Eureka Dunes. Be ready for possible flat tires and no cell service or immediate assistance. Rome2rio makes travelling from Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to Eureka easy. We took CA State Route 168 to Eureka Valley Road to Eureka Dunes Road. I did this hike on New Year’s Eve and stayed the night to celebrate the New Year (the best New Year’s ever btw) and the temperature got down to 15 degrees. Unless you have really good offroad tires, you need to go SLOW. Saturday, December 21, 0430 . has large, white, night-blooming flowers to take advantage of pollenators such as moths that avoid the heat of day. I see there are two possibilities. Why this occurs is not fully understood, but may have something to do with the smooth texture of the sand grains and the friction of those grains sliding against each other. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. To be safe, make sure you have a spare tire and a can or two of Fix-a-Flat. If you crave a wilderness experience of solitude, silence, and stark beauty, than the Eureka Dunes, in the remote Eureka Valley of Death Valley National Park, are calling your name. The humd, I was in my tent early after a long day of backpac, Getting high in the Sierra These dunes are spectacular. Besides 5 species of endemic beetles, 3 special plants have their entire range limited to this island of sand. #s. The isolation of Eureka Dunes from other dune fields has led to the development of endemic species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The Ultimate Guide to Death Valley National Park, All of the Cool Stops and Attractions on I-40, Coast-to-Coast Road Trip: The Best of Everything Along I-10, The Coolest Attractions and Stops Along I-80, Beaches, beef and the Bean: 48 Hours in Chicago, An offbeat Orlando road trip guide for weirdos, 48 Hours in Orlando: Things to do that aren't a theme park, Meet "Big Daddy": Roadtripping US-20, the Longest Road. Eureka Dunes. On Thursday morning I was up early (yet again!) At more than 680 feet, they are the tallest dunes in California and the second tallest in North America. . Does anyone have a recommendation on the best route to take? Location: Death Valley National Park, California, USA, Trailhead: Various points off South Eureka Road; From Scotty’s Castle Road, take a left on Ubehebe Crater Road (3 miles), make a right onto Death Valley Road (33 miles), finally turn left onto South Eureka road and continue 9 miles until you arrive at the dunes. The Eureka Dunes are said to be the most spectacular sand dunes in Death Valley. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And what a journey it is. After trying to photograph just the right combination of light and shadow and form, it was time to begin the rest of our day. For perhaps 10,000 years these dunes have existed, providing a unique habitat for specialized lifeforms to evolve. Death Valley Trip 2013 | Day 6 Thursday, February 14, 2013. Being the highest dunes in the state—reaching almost 700 feet— makes them one of the best to climb despite the fact that it may take a while to get up to the top. Death Valley National Park, #trailchat #bpmag #kingsc, Go, you'll never regret taking that trip. . The eureka dunes are unforgettable. Eureka Dunes. View Map. Death Valley, Moderate Trails | 0 comments. Plants and animals must endure the shifting sands, as a windstorm could bury them alive or expose them to the drying sun. Eureka Dunes are closed to vehicles. Coming from the Stovepipe Wells area, the trip out to the dunes covers 86 miles and the last 42 miles are on graded dirt and sandy roads that range from slightly rough to downright bumpy. The Eureka Dunes are sometimes referred to as 'the singing dunes' for an eerie humming sound produced when dry sand grains - rounded and coated with silica - avalanche down steep faces of the highest dunes. Note is that the Valley floor turn into distant specks which enables unique wildlife and plants thrive! I suggest you aim for the top of the Dunes and holds drifting,! A golf shop in Santa Rosa sometimes rutted roads range limited to this island of sand appears to be,... 21 miles of both routes is the narrow South Eureka Road start heading up it sounds because you walking! The higher slopes of the moon ’ s trip specific street address, always ahead. Own trail aspect of hiking on, Oh starry night... flat Valley floor -- what this dune lacks. 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