This is probably the eight time I’ve visited Eureka Dunes at Death Valley National Park and I still get a thrill from the experience. Once again I was buzzed by fighter jets but these jets from nearby China Lake Naval Base. I spent a couple of days here so I’ll have 2 or 3 posts from here. What’s great about sand dunes is that they are always shifting so you may see something you hadn’t seen before including your own shadow!(See Below) Is that my shadow or someone else standing down there?
It was pretty warm out there(80 F) with no shade and the heat bouncing off the sand. Hiking dunes can be an exercise in futility. I was afraid to make tracks in these amazing sand patterns because they were so pristine. Eureka Dunes is in a remote part of Death Valley and has few visitors.
The road to Eureka Dunes, wash boarding and teeth rattling included.
Those are the Last Chance Mountains in the background, a somewhat fitting name for Death Valley
Andy Warhol couldn’t design patterns this cool.
These jets come onto you real fast. You don’t hear them until they pass although another flew about 200 feet right above me. My camera was not close unfortunately. Next time these pilots should call me and let me know they’re coming.
It got down into the mid 30sF during the night as a full moon was rising. I was stalked by a kangaroo rat while sitting around the fire. They are similar to a field mouse but like to run around on their hind legs, hence the name. Next time I’ll get a pic. Then the zipper on my tent broke and I was afraid that rat would join me during the night.
20 responses to “Death Valley’s Sublime Eureka Dunes”
These sand dunes images are incredibly beautiful. I’m in awe with the shadow capture of the first one. The lonely tree is a great capture.
Camping alone… stay safe, Michael.
Thanks Amy. There were a few other people camping near me including someone sleeping in his vehicle with the motor running.I guess he had the heater on. And don’t forget the kangaroo rat!
Such gorgeous patterns, Mike. They are mesmerizing…one can stare at them at great length and never tire. The 4th from the last photo made me think of the stripes on zebras or tigers, no two alike. Like that ‘Nature by the Numbers’ video I posted, you feel that Universal connection at work here.
It was weird how these kangaroo rats would walk right up to me while I was sitting in my chair. I’m sure they would have no problem joining me in my tent.
dawn2dawn photography 
20 responses to “Death Valley’s Sublime Eureka Dunes”
These sand dunes images are incredibly beautiful. I’m in awe with the shadow capture of the first one. The lonely tree is a great capture.
Camping alone… stay safe, Michael.
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Thanks Amy. There were a few other people camping near me including someone sleeping in his vehicle with the motor running.I guess he had the heater on. And don’t forget the kangaroo rat!
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with his motor running! 🙂
kangaroo rat! I really don’t want to think about it… 😕
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Beautiful shots of these dunes! I tried to go there last year and turned around at the sight of the rough road for the final 10 miles… 😦
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Thanks, the road is pretty rough but not as bad as it used to be.
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Such gorgeous patterns, Mike. They are mesmerizing…one can stare at them at great length and never tire. The 4th from the last photo made me think of the stripes on zebras or tigers, no two alike. Like that ‘Nature by the Numbers’ video I posted, you feel that Universal connection at work here.
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I think those patterns in the sand are why I keep coming back to this place.
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I believe it!
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Lovely images of the dunes. They are indeed very beautiful and so changing depending of the light…(Suzanne)
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Beautiful place, the mountains remind me of the Richtersveld in my country – South Africa. Death Valley is definitely on my bucket list!
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Sand dunes always make a good photo. Thanks for sharing these.
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Sweet photos of the dunes, I’ve seen Kangaroo Rats go around the base of our tent with their front paws looking for a way in.
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These are pretty awesome. I really like the one with the little dried tree. It brings into reality the sheer barrenness of the area.
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Thanks Jared. I like those dead trees too. I’m not sure how anything lives out there
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The fighter jets sound pretty awesome! How funny the zip broke and you were worried about acquiring a furry friend 🙂
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It was weird how these kangaroo rats would walk right up to me while I was sitting in my chair. I’m sure they would have no problem joining me in my tent.
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That’s a pretty unique experience!
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Beautiful images. About the rat, new tent?
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Thanks Anne. I think I was able to fix the zipper because I don’t want to have to buy a whole new tent.
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