Dumont Dunes facts for kids
Dumont Dunes is a special place in the Mojave Desert with huge sand dunes. It's about 31 miles north of Baker, California, along California State Route 127. You can easily spot the dunes from far away because they are so unique!
The area is surrounded by tall, rocky hills that used to be volcanoes, and a slow-moving river called the Amargosa River. The land here changes a lot in height. Near the river, it's about 700 feet high, but the tallest dune, called Competition Hill, reaches up to 1200 feet!
Most of Dumont Dunes is a fun place for outdoor activities. It's called the Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area. The Bureau of Land Management helps manage it. People come here to enjoy off-road vehicle sports, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and even collecting cool rocks.
Contents
What are the Dunes?
Sand dunes are big piles of sand shaped by the wind. They can be found in deserts and along coastlines. The dunes at Dumont are always changing as the wind blows the sand around. This makes them a really interesting natural wonder to explore.
History of the Name
The Dumont Dunes are named after a person named Harry Dumont. He worked for the Pacific Coast Borax Company. This company built an old train line called the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad. This train line was used between 1905 and 1940 and ran to the east of the dunes.
Plants and Animals
Even though it's a desert, some plants grow at Dumont Dunes. You'll mostly see creosote bushes, which are tough desert plants. After it rains, especially in spring, you might also see some pretty wildflowers and annual grasses. Because the area is not very high up, it can get very warm or even super hot in the spring and summer.
One special animal that lives here is the Mojave fringe-toed lizard. This lizard is being watched by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They want to make sure it's safe and doesn't become an endangered species. If it does become endangered, there might be some changes to how people can use the dunes for fun activities. This is to help protect the lizard's home.
Activities and Fun
Dumont Dunes is a popular spot for many outdoor adventures.
Off-Roading
Many people visit Dumont Dunes for off-road vehicle sports. They ride dirt bikes, ATVs, and sand rails over the dunes. It's an exciting way to explore the sandy landscape.
Camping
Camping is a big part of the experience at Dumont Dunes. Many families and friends set up camps right in the open desert. They enjoy spending nights under the stars.
Other Activities
Besides off-roading and camping, you can also go hiking to explore the dunes on foot. Some people enjoy rock climbing on the nearby volcanic hills. It's also a great place for collecting rocks and looking for interesting stones.
