Sand, wind and entrapping mountains is what formed the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Named after the mesquite trees which grows in abundance in the Area. The Mesquite trees twist and grow to prevent being buried by the sand. Called the ‘Tree of life’, The bean pods from this tree were ground into flour by the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe as a traditional food source. You can purchase the mesquite flour on Amazon. It can be used as a sweetener or flour substitute.

From the moment we arrived I could tell that the sand dunes were very popular. The highest dune is only about 100 feet tall, but the area that the dunes cover is large. We tried hiking to the tallest peak, but it was much too far. Polygon cracked clay from an ancient lakebed forms the floor of the Sand Dunes and if you have a need for speed Sand Boarding is permitted here.

No wonder people go crazy in the desert, it’s so much Fun!!!

Website: https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/nature/sand-dunes.htm