One of the tallest dune fields in the Mojave, rising hundreds of feet above the desert floor inside Mojave National Preserve. The main trailhead on Kelso Dunes Road offers a strenuous sand climb to booming dunes and wide views toward the Providence and Granite mountains. Undeveloped camping is allowed only at signed sites past the trailhead—not at the parking area.
Field facts
| Region | San Bernardino County, CA |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34.8917, -115.7006 |
| Access | Unpaved Kelso Dunes Road W from Kelbaker Road; high-clearance recommended; 2WD often OK to main trailhead when dry |
| Managing agency | National Park Service — Mojave National Preserve |
| GNIS summit | feature_id 1660830 Kelso Dunes 34.90350, -115.71805 |
| Camping | Designated undeveloped sites only; none at trailhead |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Visitor centerKelso Depot Visitor Center14.1 km away
- Point of interestProvidence Mountains State Recreation Area18.4 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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