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

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park, United States

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
Jul 6, 2026Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Nov. 29, 2024Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Sep. 30, 2025Koala in the Great Otway National Park, Australia
Sep. 19, 2024International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Happy Mothers Day!
Oct. 10, 2024Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
Mar. 29, 2026Peggys Point Lighthouse, Atlantic Coast, Nova Scotia
Oct. 30, 2024Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Feb. 9, 2024Pegadung Rock, Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia
Aug. 30, 2023International Whale Shark Day
Oct. 27, 2025Thick-billed raven, Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
A 50-year balancing act
May 1, 2025Lei Day
Nov. 16, 2024Wadden Sea coast, Friesland, Netherlands
Jun 22, 2026World Rainforest Day
Jellies in a world of their own
Nov. 11, 2024Banff National Park, Alberta
Mar. 19, 2026Short-beaked echidna, Adelaide Hills, Australia
Colours of Colorado
Meet an expert on the dog days of summer
May 25, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Postcard from Italy
Jan. 23, 2026Þorrablót, Icelandic midwinter festival
Floating mailboxes
Sep. 25, 2025Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Oct. 25, 2025Martimoaapa Mire Reserve, Finland
Grizzly bear and cub
Jun. 20, 2025Summer solstice
Jul 5, 2026Lavender rows, Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France
Let’s go to the Ex!
Mar. 21, 2026International Day of Forests