Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, United States Jul. 6, 2025

The Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, located near Stovepipe Wells Village in Death Valley National Park, California, are the most accessible and iconic dunes in the park. They are formed by a combination of eroding mountains to the north that supply sand, prevailing winds that move it and surrounding mountains that trap it from the south—creating a stunning landscape of rippling sand hills. Named after the resilient mesquite trees that grow here, the dunes offer breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset, as well as exceptional stargazing opportunities.

© Bryan Jolley/TANDEM Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

A peck between penguins
Spring is the time for billing

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Pick your paradise
Protecting the gentle giants
When landscape met wilderness
Sep. 13, 2023Hemakuta Hill, Hampi
Feb. 6, 20262026 Winter Olympics
Winter at Valley Forge
Walking a rocky rainbow
Apr. 17, 2025Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
Creating a better world
A bevy of buzzers
Dec. 3, 2025Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, United States
Sep. 8, 2023International Literacy Day
High above the Aegean Sea
Feb. 22, 2025Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
What’s your favourite colour?
Feb. 12, 2024Volcán Alcedo giant tortoise, Isabela Island
Trunks packed for road
Keyholes to the kingdom
Jan. 18, 2026White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
Oct. 5, 2024World Teachers Day
An underwater paradise to explore
Nov. 2, 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Nov. 2, 2024American bison
What are these ancient animals?
Oct. 29, 2025Ancient til trees in Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal
Mar. 1, 2025Aurora borealis over Maligne Lake in Alberta
Dec. 12, 2024Poinsettia Day
Jun. 11, 2025Greater flamingos, Lüderitz, Namibia
Leaf-peeping Southern style
Jun. 22, 2024World Rainforest Day