Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes)
Last verified April 2026
Forty miles of dunes along the California-Arizona border. The most famous OHV destination in the lower 48 — Halloween and Thanksgiving weekends draw 100,000+ riders. Camping is dispersed; bring everything (no water, no cell). Closed in summer (104°F+ daytime).
32.94190, -115.08580
- Agency
- BLM Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
- Size
- 165,000 acres
- Nearest town
- Brawley, CA (45 miles west) / Yuma, AZ (25 miles east)
- Trail miles
- 40 miles of dunes; no formal trail system
- Terrain
- Sand dunes up to 300 ft tall, soft sand, occasional ironwood washes
- Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly perimeter; advanced in the high dunes
- Vehicle classes
- dune-buggies, UTVs, dirt-bikes, sand-rails, ATVs
- Best season
- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Fees
- $35/week or $150 season pass (Oct 1 – Apr 15). Free in summer.
- Agency contact
- (760) 337-4400
Resources
Permit required
BLM permit required Oct 1 – Apr 15. Day-use $35/week, season pass $150. Buy online at recreation.gov.