Approacing Death Valley National Park from the west, Rte 190, the main access road on that side of the park, passes through Panamint Springs, a privately owned resort.  Mountains loom ahead on the horizon--the rugged Panamint Range, which forms the western rampart of Death Valley.

Nearer at hand--just to the east of Panamint Springs but somewhat off the beaten path--are the lovely Panamint Dunes.  An unpaved mining road leads partway to the rolling sandhills. Park where the road veers to the right up a steep slope toward the mine and if the heat is not too merciless, hike the final four cross-country miles to the dunes, which are visible in the distance.

Star-shaped, with surface patterned by shifting winds, some of the dunes are as tall as 250 feet. Climb one and your reward wil be fine views of the Panamint Valley and surrounding mountains. You may also see unexpected signs of life: although seemingly inhospitable: the dunes are home to Mojave Fringe-Toed Lizards, Kangaroo Rats, Runblebugs, and other creatures whose trcks can sometimes be found crisscrossing the sand.  In spring, a variety of wildflowers enhance the sandy scene with their cheerful splash of color.

Location:
Panamint Valley is located in the Northern Mojave Desert, California in Inyo County o ff Hwy 190 between Trona and Panamint Springs Junction. Hwy 178 runs right through Panamint Valley.