Eureka Dunes – Death Valley

Eureka Dunes, nestled within the remote Eureka Valley of Death Valley National Park, stands as one of California’s most awe-inspiring sand formations. Rising sharply over 680 feet above the dry lakebed, these towering dunes are among the tallest in North America.
Surrounded by the formidable limestone walls of the Last Chance Mountains, Eureka Dunes offers a unique desert landscape characterized by steep sand slopes, rugged cliffs, and a diverse array of endemic flora and fauna.
Visitors can engage in challenging hikes, witness the mysterious singing sand phenomenon, and explore a habitat teeming with specialized life forms, making Eureka Dunes a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Please note that sandboarding and off-road driving on the fragile dunes in prohibited.
Destination Details
Season | October-May (Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F) |
Location | Eureka Valley, Death Valley National Park, California |
General GPS Coordinates | 37.095576, -117.675399 |
Management | National Park Service |
Size | 3 miles long, 1 mile wide |
State | California |
Nearest Major City | Las Vegas, NV (approximately 200 miles) |
Information Number | 760-786-3312 |
How to Get to Eureka Dunes
Eureka Dunes are accessible by most standard vehicles via the Death Valley/Big Pine Road. From the Ubehebe Crater Road you must travel 44 miles of graded dirt to the dunes. From the town of Big Pine there are 28 miles of paved road and 21 miles of graded dirt to the dunes. The final 10 miles of both routes is the narrow South Eureka Road. During inclement weather, all access to Eureka Dunes can be closed or limited. No water or services are available along this route.
Destination Overview
Eureka Dunes is located in the isolated Eureka Valley, an enclosed basin sitting at an elevation of 3,000 feet within Death Valley National Park. This unique dune field spans approximately 3 miles in length and 1 mile in width, making it a compact yet impressive natural wonder. The surrounding landscape is dominated by the towering limestone cliffs of the Last Chance Mountains, which rise an additional 4,000 feet above the valley floor, creating a dramatic backdrop for the expansive sand dunes.

The area experiences a harsh desert climate, characterized by extreme heat during the summer months and mild, cooler weather from October to May, which is the optimal time for visiting. The Eureka Dunes receive more rainfall than other regions in Death Valley, thanks to their position at the base of a mountain range that captures precipitation from passing storms. This slightly more temperate environment supports a variety of specialized plant and animal life unique to this isolated dune ecosystem.
Hiking to the summit of Eureka Dunes is a challenging endeavor, with steep slopes and shifting sands that demand careful navigation. The reward for this effort is a panoramic view of the surrounding desert and a chance to experience the rare phenomenon of singing sand, where dry sand avalanches produce eerie, resonant sounds.
Due to the delicate nature of the habitat, visitors are encouraged to practice minimal-impact activities. Recreational pursuits like sandboarding are prohibited to protect the fragile dune environment. Additionally, off-road vehicle travel is strictly forbidden on the dunes and throughout Death Valley National Park to preserve its pristine condition.

Eureka Dunes is not only a geological marvel but also a sanctuary for several endemic species. Plants such as the Eureka Dunegrass (Swallenia alexandrae), Eureka Dunes Evening Primrose (Oenothera avita eurekensis), and Shining Milkvetch (Astragalus lentiginosus micans) thrive in this harsh environment, each adapted to conserve moisture and survive the shifting sands. The isolation of the dunes has led to the evolution of unique life forms, making this destination a critical area for biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Camping
A primitive campground is located at the base of Eureka Dunes, offering a unique and peaceful setting for those seeking solitude and adventure. For more information, visit our in-depth guide to Eureka Dunes Campground. Our more general guide to camping in Death Valley offers more details on other camping options in the park.