10/28 Big Dune

When I went to Yosemite, I passed an intriguing sign on the road that said, "Big Dunes." I didn't have time to stop there then, but I knew I'd come back to investigate since the dunes are only about 20 miles northwest of Ash Meadows.

The 'road' to the dunes is sand and gravel, so I'm glad I didn't try to go to the dunes when I was pulling my trailer.

I didn't drive too close to them because I was afraid of getting stuck in the sand.

The only other people I saw there was a family of four riding ATVs on the dunes.  A sign near the dunes says that there are sensitive plants and animals that live here, so visitors should respect the land by not driving over vegetation. I don't know how much people pay attention to that since I saw tire tracks everywhere.

There were beautiful ripples of sand on the dunes. The temperature was in the high 60s and as you can see, there were very few clouds in the sky.

There are three species of scarab beetles that are endemic to these dunes. That means they are not found anywhere else in the world! This one was about 1/2 inch long. It made cool tracks in the sand!

The dunes sit up against the Funeral Mountains.

The dunes were more extensive than I thought they would be.

The tallest dune rises 500 feet above the Amargosa Valley!

I walked up the first dune. The sand was soft and cold. It was so dry that I sunk into the sand with every step I took.

Scarab beetles have it a little easier because they are so light and small. Their larva can stay under ground for up to two years!  The adults live two to three weeks.

The dunes are still growing!

I thought they were beautiful!

Away from the ATVs, it was very quiet.

See the "new" dune forming here? It's only about 3 feet tall.

I was glad I had come to investigate!