Steel Pass Eureka Dunes 2.5 - GP

This great trail passes two clothing-optional warm springs, a plethora of rock coloration, one set of 2.5 ledge obstacles and Eureka Dunes.  Eureka Dunes can be reached on a GP rated road from the north end.

​We ran the trail south to north, but it can be done in either direction.

This can be a very long trip!  Be aware of gasoline requirements.  We did a loop from Stovepipe Wells through Panamint Springs, ran this trail, then returned to Stovepipe Wells via Death Valley Road.  It was 215 miles.


There is a GPS - gpx track file at the bottom of the page.

Eureka Dunes

There are two developed warm springs in Saline Valley.  These photos are of the lower, more developed, one.  There is a shower to clean off before the soaking pool, the soaking pool and a shady lawn.  All water comes from a single source at the high point of the area.  All upkeep and maintenance is done by volunteers.  The National Park installed and maintains toilets, but otherwise leaves things alone.

Soaking pool

Yoga on the lawn

The road travels up the thread of a wash for many miles above the hot springs.  It leaves the wash and becomes a bit rockier near the pass.

North of the springs

Nearing the pass

We were amazed at the variations of color and the changing patterns in the rocks.

Did I say we liked the colors?

These two ledges are the only places on the trail over a 2.0 rating.

First ledge

Second ledge

Eureka Dunes tower 700 feet above the valley floor and are the highest ones in California.  

Dunes in the distance

Hiker on the dunes

The road from the Dunes to Ubehebe Crater is all rated GP, except for a few miles that were recently rebuilt and paved.  Washboard was terrible when we were there.

Page updated 2017.

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