Getting Oriented
The dunes sit in Imperial County, southeast of the Salton Sea and along Interstate 8 between Yuma and El Centro. Brawley anchors the closest service town to the north on Highway 78. The dune field stretches from the Mexican border north into the Mojave, with its widest section near Glamis on Highway 78. The sand was deposited from windblown sediments of ancient Lake Cahuilla, which filled the Salton Trough thousands of years ago.
Trail Overview
Imperial Sand Dunes is open OHV terrain rather than a marked trail system. Riders cross-country across the dunes with the staging areas as launch points. Most activity centers on the Glamis area on Highway 78, where staging at Wash 5, Wash 10, and Wash 20 supports thousands of vehicles on busy weekends. North of Highway 78 the open zone narrows; further north the wilderness designation closes the area to motorized travel.
Dune sizes range from small ripples to 300-foot peaks. Conditions change with wind and moisture; mornings after still nights run firmer than afternoons. The site sees 1.5 million visitor days a year, peaking on Thanksgiving and President's Day weekends.
Points of Interest
- Glamis. The main staging area on Highway 78, with informal services and the Glamis Beach Store.
- Oldsmobile Hill. A 300-foot dune that draws sand-rail and high-power vehicle attempts.
- Wash 5, 10, and 20. Numbered staging access points along the highway.
- North Algodones Dunes Wilderness. 26,000 acres of non-motorized dune wilderness north of Highway 78.
- Sunrise off-road experience. Common pre-dawn starts to ride before the sand heats up.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the open OHV zone with the recreation pass. The 14-day stay limit applies. Vault toilets are at most major staging areas; no potable water is on-site. Glamis and the surrounding area host commercial RV-storage and private camping outfits during the season.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Visit October through April. Summer surface temperatures on sand exceed 130°F.
- Buy the recreation pass in advance through isdpermits.net to avoid the on-site surcharge.
- Carry water; there is no potable water at staging areas.
- Air down to 4-8 PSI for sand traction. Re-inflate before driving back to the highway.
- Carry a flag whip for visibility on the dunes.
- All OHVs require California green-sticker or red-sticker registration (or out-of-state OHV plate).
- Spark arresters and a 96 dB sound limit are enforced.
- Watch the boundary with the wilderness area. Crossing into wilderness with a motorized vehicle triggers a federal violation.
- Stay clear of the Border Patrol perimeter near the international border.
- Cell service is spotty; carry an offline map.
- Contact the BLM El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400 for current conditions.
