Kelso Dunes
A hard but fun climb up singing sand.
Mojave National Preserve
A huge, empty desert between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, with singing sand dunes, volcanic cones and a restored train depot.
Kelso Depot's visitor center has been closed for heating and cooling repairs, with reopening expected in 2026. The restrooms beside it are open.Checked November 2, 2026 · Latest
Three deserts meet here. The Kelso Dunes rise 600 feet and hum when the sand moves. The old Spanish-style Kelso Depot is the visitor center. Hole-in-the-Wall's Rings Trail has rock climbing rings bolted into the cliffs. The Dome Fire burned many Joshua trees here in 2020.
- Best Time
- March–April and October–November
- Time Needed
- 1 day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About 2.5 hours by car northeast of Los Angeles Basin, right off I-15.
What to See
3 of 3 are freeKelso Depot
A 1924 railroad station and museum, and the preserve's visitor center.
Rings Loop Trail
Metal rings help you down a rocky canyon.
Know Before You Go
- It's dangerous in summer. Bring plenty of water, and fill your tank. There's no fuel inside.
Where to Stay
Stay in Baker, Primm or Las Vegas.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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Go Next
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Worth a DetourJoshua Tree National Park
California
Spiky Joshua trees and giant boulder piles where two deserts meet, near Palm Springs.
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Worth a DetourDeath Valley National Park
California and Nevada
Salt flats, dunes and colored canyons in the hottest, lowest place in North America. Go between November and March.
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the California list.