Although sand is present throughout the park, there are few places where large dune fields are created. To create sand dunes, you need a source of sand (in this case, the eroding mountains to the north), wind to move that sand, and a barrier to keep it from blowing further (the mountains to the south). The conditions at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes are perfect for creating dunes, and while individual grains of sand move and ripple, the dune field remains.
These dunes are named for the mesquite tree that grows in abundance in the area. The trees must turn and grow to avoid being buried, and bare, brown trunks are often exposed by the drifting sand. The arrival of spring brings an explosion of bright green leaves and yellow flowers from the upper branches of the trees. Mesquite bean pods are a traditional food of the Timbisha Shoshone, and the flour from these pods is now available in specialty stores.
Sand dunes provide habitat for many animals, including nocturnal kangaroo rats and horned rattlesnakes. There are no official walking trails in the dunes, so be careful when exploring and do not disturb any burrows.