MNP is located in the California's central area between Interstate 40 on the south and Interstate 15 on the north, along the Nevada border, about 70 miles south of Las Vegas, NV.

MNP 1.6 million acres of Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran deserts, including large sand dunes and desert. The visitor center is located near the center of the NMP in an old Union Pacific Railroad building, the Kelsey Depot.

This unique and isolated dune system rises more than 600 feet above the desert floor. 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.

Joyce and Dick Wood
May 2012