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possible to remove the Eureka dunegrass and the evening primrose from the
endangered list. Finding The Dunes The Eureka Dunes lie in an isolated area reached by either of two routes from Big Pine. The best route turns off of Highway 395 on state route 168. It runs east, crosses the Owens River, and takes the first main road to the right; then follows the Waucoba Road to the top of the grade. Continue from there on the Loretto Road (the Waucoba Road turns, off to the right) through Little Cowhorn Valley and Joshua Flats; thence over Lime Hill to descend Loretto Wash into Eureka Valley. Upon entering the valley one can see in the distant southeast a pale form said to resemble that of a reclining woman. The next sight of the Eureka Dunes is an abrupt frontal view when a curve of the Last Chance Mountains reveals that lower corner of the valley. From Loretto Wash the route crosses Eureka Valley eastward almost to the grade up into the Last Chance Mountains. Thence right on the first graded road which runs south, continuing 11.5 miles to the Eureka Dunes. (The main road which crosses the valley continues over the Last Chance Mountains to enter the north end of Death Valley, above the boundary of the Monument.) Another route, less frequently used, begins at the same point. It takes the left fork just east of the river, though, and 'proceeds' over Westgard Pass, across Deep Springs, Valley, over Gilbert Summit, and into Fish Lake Valley. It follows the Eureka Valley Road eastward, along the southern part of Fish Lake Valley, to Willow Wash and the Cucomungo Narrows. This portion is subject to washouts, but maintenance is frequent. Thence south from the narrows to the main road crossing Eureka Valley east-west. This route reaches the |
Otherwise, the valley is essentially roadless, except for a few mining roads and faint traces of early roads, mostly washed out. The Valley is waterless, although a few seeps and small springs occur in remote mountain canyons. Neither of the routes above require 4wheel drive vehicles. The gravel roads do not have high centers. Visitors to the dunes will find them at their best in the late afternoon or early morning, when the shadows outline the contours. The flat light of midday is disappointing. It is best to stay overnight. Primitive camping is allowed north of the dunes, or to the northeast. No water or wood is available. There are picnic tables and a restroom at the northwest corner. Beware of going off on sandy roads. Please carry out your own trash. |
