Mojave Desert

The Mojave Desert stretches from the wedge-shaped Antelope Valley eastward across the Colorado River and into Arizona. Bordering the Sonoran Colorado Desert and running north to and along the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range, the land in between is anything but what we first imagine a desert to be, flat and featureless. 

Kelso Dunes

This unique and isolated dune system rises more than 600 feet above the desert floor. The dunes were created by southeast winds blowing finely grained residual sand from the Mojave River sink, which lies to the northwest. The dunes' color is created from many golden rose quartz particles. When the dry sand grains slide down the steep upper slopes, a notable booming sound is produced. In some years, the dunes offer a nice spring wildflower display. A hike to the top and back takes approximately two hours. The area is closed to vehicles.