The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Kelso Dunes Road

Kelso Dunes is a majestic sand pile located in San Bernardino County, in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s said to be one of the largest dune fields in America.

Kelso Dune Road

Is the road to Kelso Dunes paved?

Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, in southern California, within the Mojave National Preserve, the road to this unique geological feature in the middle of the desert is called Kelso Dunes Road. The road is partially paved, though bumpy and pockmarked. It has a washboard texture in places and a thin a layer of sand on most of its surface. Travelling in summer is not recommended. Temperatures can reach up to 120° F (49° C) in the summer.

How long is the road to Kelso Dunes?

Starting at Kelbaker Road, the drive to Kelso Dunes Trail is 6.43km (4 miles) long running through a surreal backdrop of sand. Under normal conditions, the road should be fine in all passenger vehicles. There's no traffic at all on Kelso Dunes Road. Remember to drive slowly and carefully. There is no gas within the entirety of the Mojave National Preserve, so be sure to fill up prior to entering the park to explore. The road continues a short distance to a primitive campsite then narrows, now for 4WD only.
Pic: PierDamiano Airoldi

 

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