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Kelso Dunes

Difficulty Level:

Quick Stats

Mileage

Up to you! Generally about 1 mile from the road to a good spot away from the main trailhead area. Terrain is flat ... unless you want to hike up to the top of the tallest 700 ft dune! Bring a sled.

Elevation Gain

+0' to campsite; ~650' to top of the highest dune

Location

Mojave National Preserve

Maps

Mojave National Preserve (Tom Harrison map)

Permit Requirements

As of this writing there are no permit or registration system requirements for backcountry camping at Mojave National Preserve.

AllTrails.com Link

Trek Description

The Mojave National Preserve is absolutely gorgeous, and much less trafficked than it's Joshua Tree NP cousin to the south.  Plus, inside the park is Kelso Dunes, a massive sand dune range completely closed to offroad vehicles ... and perfect for scouts (and adults) to bring their snow sleds and have fun!


The access road is dirt, but is well graded and easy to navigate.  Park near the dunes trailhead, or a little further down the road at any of several access points.  Then put on your packs, bring your water, and hike into the desert.  There are no trails, so just keep the dunes on your left or right ... whichever you prefer ... and trek a simple mile till you get to a good location for your group.  Make camp, and then let the scouts go crazy on the dunes the rest of the afternoon.


As with all backpacking, make sure to be low impact.  Also, you are camping in the desert so read up on how to stay safe in that region.

While in the Mojave National Preserve, make sure to check out the famous cinder cones and lava tube.  The lava tube is located about 5 miles east of Kelbaker Road on the unpaved and unsigned Aiken Mine Road.  High clearance vehicles are recommended.  Here's a link to the Preserve's write-up on it.  Great side trip to add on to the dunes adventure!


This location is highly recommended in the cooler months of late fall, winter, and early spring.  NOT RECOMMENDED for any of the summer months as it will be far too hot.

Related Awards

This trek may be related to requirements in the following awards.

Red Rock Canyon -Mojave Desert Award

Western Los Angeles County Council

Telescope Peak Award.jpg

Camp at least one night in Red Rock Canyon State Park or somewhere else in the Mojave Desert.


Desert Backpack Award

San Diego - Imperial

Telescope Peak Award.jpg

Complete an overnight backpack of 7-1/2 hours scheduled backpack time in 2 consecutive days, camping at least 1-1/2 hours scheduled backpack time from both the trail head and the pick-up point in the Mojave or Sonoran Deserts.

Mojave Desert

Las Vegas Area Council

Telescope Peak Award.jpg


Any of the following hikes may be taken to qualify for the MOJAVE DESERT SEGMENT. The canoe trip does not require the backpack portion of this requirement, but does require an adult with a current CPR card and one night camping at a remote site near the river. Information may be found in pamphlets, maps, and books from the National Park Service and other books. Always check in at the Visitors Centerfor local conditions before starting out.

Additional Photos

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