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All Mexico Cuatrociénegas Dunas de Yeso
AO Edited

Dunas de Yeso

These gleaming gypsum sand dunes are the second-largest in North America.

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

Added By
Edward Woolley
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The vast expansive dunes with the mother mountain source on the horizon   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
The vast expansive dunes with the mother mountain source on the horizon   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
The carpark and visitors centre serving refreshments   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
a wigwam   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
  edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
Nice hair cut on this sand dune   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
Only the most unique vegetation can survive and grow here   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
The vegetation runs thru sand down giving structure to   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
totem pole   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
a tall dune close up with cave like painting   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
A sand dune   edwardwoolley / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Nestled in the Cuatrociénegas Reserve, desert winds slowly form these majestic, white dunes, known as Dunas de Yeso. The dunes are the second largest gypsum dunes in North America. The sand that forms the dunes dates back to the Cretaceous Era, when this area was once at the bottom of a seabed. 

The six rocky mountain ranges that surround the desert valley are full of gypsum. When it rains, rainwater carries gypsum deposits from the surface of the mountains to the aquifers (underground porous rock) that, through springs, feed the area’s pools. When these shallow pools evaporate, the gypsum is exposed. These gypsum deposits then slowly erode into fine sand crystals that are swept up by the wind to form the dunes. You can see similar expanses of gypsum at White Sands National Park in New Mexico.

The winds here constantly change the desert landscape. Walking through these dunes is like a journey back in time to when this desert was a seabed teeming with life from the Cretaceous. The sand’s pure gypsum content makes the sand very white, which shines in the sunlight making for glorious sunsets. 

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Martian Landscapes Geology Fossils Nature Preserves Natural Wonders Deserts Dunes

Know Before You Go

The site is reachable by car at the indicated address, and there is ample car parking space (as shown in the picture). From there, report to the Poza Azul Visitors Center where you can buy refreshments and purchase tickets. 

It's a good idea to consult a guide from the tourist office, who will take you to the dunes and explain how they’re formed.  Admission is affordable and you'll need about an hour there. Visitors can also take their shoes off in the dunes if they'd like to. The opening hours are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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edwardwoolley

Published

March 8, 2023

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  • https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/northeast-mexico/cuatro-cienegas/attractions/dunas-de-yeso/a/poi-sig/1150159/361553
  • https://www.travesiasdigital.com/destinos/mexico/dunas-de-yeso-en-coahuila-cuatro-cienagas/
Dunas de Yeso
Carretera Federal No. 30 km. 102
Cuatrociénegas, 27656
Mexico
26.8769, -102.137224
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Poza Azul

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

miles away

El Río Mezquites

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

miles away

Mina de Mármol

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Cuatrociénegas

Cuatrociénegas

Mexico

Places 5

Nearby Places

Poza Azul

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

miles away

El Río Mezquites

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

miles away

Mina de Mármol

Cuatrociénegas, Mexico

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Cuatrociénegas

Cuatrociénegas

Mexico

Places 5

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