Find your next great escape and create unforgettable experiences to this ultimate off-road destination.
The Glamis sand dunes in Southern California are a fun-filled action-packed off-road sand dune adventure. Whether you want to go off-road, play in the soft sand, watch the races or camp, the dunes have it all! Get info on where to stay, what to do, where to go and what essentials you should pack for this epic trip!
Test your machine under the vast open skies of the sand dunes while you climb over a seemingly never-ending vast of sand and experience heart-pounding thrills through the dunes.
Where Is Glamis?
When asked where the next ride is, I told everyone we were going to Glamis! First thing that was asked was, where is that?
Glamis is right on the border of Arizona, California, and Mexico and located off Highway 78 between Blythe, CA, and Interstate 8 west of Yuma, AZ.
Glamis is a huge Sand box playground for off-road enthusiasts and the largest OHV sand dune in the United States. At 40 miles long and 5 miles wide, this is 118,000 acres for some epic OHV off-roading adventures. The Glamis Dunes have it all: wide open space, huge bowls, smooth clean soft sand, jumps, rolling hills and massive climbs.
As off-road enthusiasts and riders ourselves, take a peek of our journey from Wisconsin to Glamis and find your next great escape to add to your bucket list.
Every ride with a motor is at the dunes. Part of the thrill of this adventure is checking out the wide variety of transportation that you will find at Glamis.
You won’t just see ATV’s climbing the dunes, there are sand rails, buggies, side-by-sides, jeeps, rock crawlers and even a boat on wheels!
Didn’t get to ride in the boat, but did get a ride in this bad ass truck!!
If your idea of an epic time is exploring massive sand dunes, then you need to add Glamis Sand Dunes to the bucket list. This place has it all, really! It has some of the most gorgeous landscapes and so many places to ride, choosing just one can be a daunting decision and was glad we met up with friends who are regulars to this place, because I would have no problem getting lost! Not something you want to have happen in the desert.
Have to give a big thank you to Team Loco for all their warm welcoming and hospitality at the dunes! They were great guides to help us not to get lost in the huge sandbox!
It's the mecca of off-road excitement!
With several off-roading places that come to mind when planning a trip to take on some sand, the Imperial Sand Dunes in Glamis, California, is where it’s at. It’s by far the largest sand recreational area in the United States and ALOT to sink in, literally!
Milder weather arrives in October and lasts until May, making it the perfect escape from a Wisconsin winter. We planned our trip for the New Year’s celebration! I would recommend if you are from Wisconsin or the Midwest, you might want to rethink going in October, February, March, April or May. We left day after Christmas and we hit every possible weather condition there was, rain, ice, sleet snow, wind, fog you name it we experienced it!
This adventure is definitely nothing like the backwoods trails we have in Wisconsin.
If you've never been, you're missing out - it's an epic time!
Glamis is one huge sandbox playground for off-road enthusiasts, here are a few things to get you ready to go play in the sand.
If you are traveling across country to the dunes like we did, this is a must have. It might even save your marriage! LOL The RV Garmin. Buy it Here!
There are thousands and thousands of people that ride Glamis sand dunes every year. Generations have been going year after year. If you have ever watched movies like Star Wars, The Scorpion Kind, Lawrence of Arabia they filmed these movies in the dunes.
Whether you’re looking for an epic adventure, one-of-a-kind scenery, Glamis has it all. Do yourself a favor and go visit this place, you won’t be disappointed!
WHERE ARE THE GLAMIS SAND DUNES LOCATED?
Glamis also know as The Algodone Dunes that is a massive sand dune field. In fact, it’s 40 miles long and 5 miles wide of golden sand as far as the eye can see. The dunes are on the southeastern portion of California, near the border of Arizona and the Mexican state of Baja California.
Located off Highway 78 between Blythe, CA, and Interstate 8 west of Yuma, AZ. Due to its remote location, here are two points of reference for you:
Yuma, Arizona
Get on I-8 W in Imperial County I-8BL for 3.1 miles
Continue on I-8 W to El Centro.
Take exit 115 from I-8 W for 56.2 miles
Turn right onto CA-86 N/S St.
Blythe, California:
Get on 1-10 W for .9 miles
Follow CA-78 to Imperial County for 80.9 miles
Take CA-115S to CA-111 S for 17.2 miles
Continue on CA-111 S. Take I-8 W to CA-86 N/S 4th St in El Centro.
Take exit 115 from I-8 W for 4.7 miles
Turn right onto CA-86 N/S 4th St.
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT FOR GLAMIS SAND DUNES?
Six months out of the year, you can ride free all you want at the Imperial Sand Dunes. But when sand season hits and thousands of rider’s flock to the sandbox, the park requires everyone to purchase passes.
In Wisconsin, the trails begin to close in the winter season, but in Glamis, October 1st is the opening day for sand season, that’s when Glamis starts requiring permit passes. Traditionally, the last weekend in October is the unofficial kickoff – I was told by someone who goes to this place frequently. This time of year, is the time to start riding in the southwest. It’s cool enough that you’re not peeling your ass off the seats, and the evenings are brisk enough to have a fire while camping.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CAMP AT GLAMIS SAND DUNES?
Seasonal Pass $150.00 permit is good for all season of October 1 to April 15.
Weekly Hang Tag Permit $35.00 Permit is valid for one week. If you plan to arrive within 5 business days, you’ll want to purchase in person from one of the retail locations below.
Weekly Hang Tag 2-Pack $60.00 $10 off your second weekly hang tag when you order a 2-pack bundle.
OHV PERMITS NEAREST TO THE IMPERIAL SAND DUNES
- Coppa Quik Chek 76 in Quartzsite AZ
- Prime Mini Marts and Fuel in Brawley CA
- Loves Travel Stop in Westmoreland CA
- Mattew D Venture in Westmoreland CA
- Coyne Powersports in El Centro CA
- Jacumba Shell in Jacumba CA
- Palo Verde Chevron in Palo Verde CA
- Sidewinder Chevron in Winterhaven CA
Buy Online! Register for a camping permit to the Glamis Sand Dunes here online. Buy Glamis Sand Dune Permit Tickets Online.
DESTINATION RIDES IN THE DUNES
With the dunes constantly changing, they do provide some challenges to riders. The dunes are a continuous roller coaster with small bowls to massive bowls reaching radical heights of 300+ feet that will send you down the side into an epic roller coaster-type ride.
These sand dunes have an abundance amount of miles to explore, you can literally ride among sparse desert vegetation, ride among tumbleweeds, or just let your machine loose in the huge bowls and catch some air on the rolling hills.
You would think that riding in the dunes would be all the fun you would need. But Glamis does one better and has destinations that riders revisit yearly.
Check these insanely epic destinations.
Oldsmobile Hill – Glamis Sand Dunes
Oldsmobile Hill is the real center of Glamis. This was the first place we went to when we arrived at Glamis. It’s a mecca spot smack dab in the middle of Glamis. Everyone makes at least one appearance – and why wouldn’t you. This is where you go to see some crazy contraptions, really, you’d be surprised what people take there.
If you ride to the top, you have a impeccable view to watch other riders, the sunset, and the stars at night. Even if you are sitting at the bottom of this hill it’s pretty amazing. At night, riders will turn on their lights and its a pretty magnificent sight to see. It’s also easier to see other riders at night too!
Sand Drags – Glamis Sand Dunes
Sand drags is a drag strip where people line up on both sides of quarter-mile long strip to watch quads, buggy’s and bikes race. This is pretty awe-inspiring race strip where you see machines ride wheelie’s halfway down the strip.
Swing Set – Glamis Sand Dunes
The Swing Set is southwest of Oldsmobile Hill and was built to remember Art Wood, who loved riding at Glamis. It’s a popular place to stop and watch riders launch off the Glamis Swing Set jump.
Off-roading at these high-speeds introduces more energy into the equation that regular off-roaders rarely venture into and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Even with the most sophisticated suspension setup, protective gear, roll cage and physics can be a mother.
If you decide to jump the Glamis Swing set jump, know your limits and consider turning it down a notch before you really send it.
Flag Pole – Glamis Sand Dunes
The Flagpole is a popular gathering place on Veterans Day. The box that the Flagpole was added on was used by the military for target practice a decade ago. An off-roading group added the Flagpole in 2000 and also a light has been added so the Flag never flies in the dark.
China Wall – Glamis Sand Dunes
The China Wall is nestled at the back of the Glamis Sand Dunes. It’s one of the steepest and the tallest hills in the dunes, so if you’re up for a challenge the China Wall is it! This place attracts many off-road enthusiasts and is also something to watch if you don’t want to attempt the hill!
Tiki Huts – Glamis Sand Dunes
A couple miles apart in the dunes is two Tiki Huts that are a new attraction for riders to visit. The Tiki Huts are roughly two miles South of Road Runner Campground and West of the Sand Highway.
Sunset Point – Glamis Sand Dunes
You can’t miss this place. This has become the go-to spot at the end of the day of riding the dunes. Catching a beautiful sunset as the night comes to an end in the desert is simply gorgeous. If want to go to the perfect place to watch the sunset, jump into your machine and head to sunset point. It’s one of the tallest peaks in Glamis and has enough room for you to park your machines at the top.
WHERE SHOULD I CAMP IN GLAMIS?
Planning Your Off-Road Camping Trip to Imperial Sand Dunes in Glamis California is just like any other camping trip, you can’t skip the planning phase. It’s one of the most important things you can do to ensure you have an off-roading trip that goes without a hitch. If there is a hitch, then you will be prepared for it.
How will you get there? What do you need to bring? These are all important considerations before heading out.
Here are some things to help you plan a trip to Glamis Sand Dunes!
Camping at Glamis isn’t your 5-star camping location. You’ll find that camping is primitive—there’s no running water. Make the most of your bucket list trip and bring your RV or travel trailer along to Glamis Sand Dunes and set up camp under the desert stars. Most camping groups that arrive to camp will place their campers in a circle to try and block the wind and the sand that comes with the camping experience.
There are multiple places to camp in the dunes, but these are the top three locations I was told about:
The Flats – Glamis Sand Dunes
The Flats are the busiest and the loudest places to camp. Traffic is nonstop but you get to see so many different kinds of machines. So, if you don’t mind the noise and don’t mind waking up to a new neighbor then go for the Flats. The location is the closest campsite near events like Camp RZR.
Gecko Road – Glamis Sand Dunes
It’s the first camping area you’ll come to if you’re driving east from Brawley, California. Gecko Road is the single paved road running through the dunes and there are two areas designated as camping areas with trash facilities and vault toilets. There is no water or electricity hookups, so make sure to fill your tanks and load up your generator. Leave plenty of room between your rig and others to unload and wrench on your machines. You can register for a camping permit here online.
The Washes – Glamis Sand Dunes
This is one of the most popular places to camp among riders. The campsite offers the most privacy and is located adjacent to a smaller set of dunes that are perfect for first-time dune riders.
Don’t Forget: Register for a camping permit to the Glamis Sand Dunes here online. Buy Glamis Sand Dune Permit Tickets Online.
PACKING FOR GLAMIS CALIFORNIA TRIP
What do you need to bring?
Keep in mind, we were traveling from Wisconsin to California so some of the things mentioned may not be items you will need.
As always, any bucket list trip can be really unpleasant if you skip some of the essentials.
With that in mind, make sure to add these items to your trailer before making the road trip and leaving civilization behind.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR TRAILER
Below are some essentials you will need to make your experience a memorable one.
UTV SAND AND DESERT TIRES
One thing for sure, you don’t want to take your rock climbing, dirt throwing, mud bogging off-road machine to the sandbox to play around in the sand dunes – you’ll find yourself back at camp before you even explore these rolling hills. Instead, be sure to accessorize your machine to fit the sandy terrain.
No matter what upgrades you put on your machine, using the wrong tires will screw you. Don’t skimp on grips—go buy yourself some desert sand paddle tires.
PRO ARMOR PADDLE SAND TIRES –
A Precision engineered 12-paddle tire with 1′ scoops for the ultimate in sand acceleration.
These Pro Armor Dunes Tires allow you to experience the thrill and wide-open spaces of sand riding and incorporates many of the performance features of the legendary Pro Armor Sand Tire. 3-tier directional front tire provides predictable, sure-footed control, while a lightweight, 12-paddle rear tires deliver incredible traction, flotation and control for even the most high-powered machines. Buy Sand Paddles
- Toolboxes – Don’t let a flat tire or clogged radiator ruin your weekend. Bring the tools needed to keep your machine running.
- Emergency Roadside Tool Kit
- Gas Cans – There are no gas stations in the Recreational Area. If you run out of fuel, it’s going to take an hour or two to go get more. Buy Gas Jugs Here
- Water Jugs – It’s the desert. There is no running water at Glamis! We recommend packing and taking gallon water jugs with you even if you’re camping in a RV or camper. Buy Water Jugs
- Broom & Dust Pan – You’re in the desert and sand is everywhere! You will even bring some home. We did! Buy Broom & Dust Pan Set
- Leaf Blower – If you have a leaf blower bring it! No, I’m not kidding! I learned this from someone who we camped with and also who is a regular to the dunes! I used it pretty much twice a day to blow off the sand on our outdoor carpet! Bring Leaf Blower! If you don’t have one, buy one here! I love this cordless Milwaukee Leaf Blower!
- Belts – pack a couple extra belts. The American West has some of the best riding you can find anywhere. From the slick rock trails in Moab to the wide-open desert and dunes in Glamis California, the unique topography creates one-of-a-kind adventures. Not having an extra belt for your machine can end a trip really quick. Buy Belts!
- Tow Rope – If you get stuck in the sand trust me you need to have this packed in your machine. It can happen unexpectedly and the quicker and safer you get out the better. This rope is also made in America! Buy Tow Rope
- Off Road Traction Boards – Along with the tow rope you should also have some off-road traction boards. This should also be in your just in case off-road recovery kit. Hopefully you don’t need them but having them is a life saver when you’re dunning in the sand. Buy Traction Boards
- Compact Shovel – A compact shovel can be easily stored in your machine. This will help dig you out of the sand should you end up getting stuck in the dunes. The storage bag is also included with this shovel and make packing much more organized. Buy Compact Shovel
- Sand Dune Safety Whip Flag & Pole – Mount a flag to your whip for improved visibility while riding around the dunes! Always have a safety flag on any machine you operate at the dunes. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a UTV, ATV, or dirt bike. Everyone is required to mount a flag to their whip. It has to extend 8 ft tall from the ground to the tip. It can be a square, triangle, or rectangle of your choice, but it has to be at least 10″ from the top, red or orange, and measure 6″ X 12″. This flag and pole meets Glamis requirements. Buy Flag & Pole – You should also have a spotter when dune riding to prevent collisions with other riders.
- First Aid Kit
There are a ton of epic things to do in Glamis, but it is imperative to recognize that the dunes can also be extremely dangerous. The only way to keep the atmosphere light and to keep the off-roading fun flowing is by respecting the safety measures that have been put into place. Buy Safety Kit
HEADING OUT TO THE SAND DUNES
Once you head out to the dunes, you will likely be miles away from camp. You’ll want to be prepared for the terrain and those unfortunate riding mishaps that may happen. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
GEAR UP YOUR MACHINE FOR THE SAND
Riding in the sand dunes can be the most exhilarating time of your life, but don’t take these tips and essentials for granted. Here are a few things to put into your machine before you head out.
Tip: Descending down steep sand dunes can be kind of daunting. Before you head down the dune, select 4WD-low (and second gear if driving a manual). In less steep or rutted declines, first gear may be acceptable, but it is typically too low of a gear; sand that travels faster than the machine can cause loss of control.
Goggles, dust masks, and helmets – The dunes are created by blowing sands. The wind is constant and your tires kick up even more dust. Protect your airways and eyes with the right protective gear.
- Tow Rope – If you get stuck in the sand trust me you need to have this packed in your machine. It can happen unexpectedly and the quicker and safer you get out the better. This rope is also made in America! Buy Tow Rope
- Off Road Traction Boards – Along with the tow rope you should also have some off-road traction boards. This should also be in your just in case off-road recovery kit. Hopefully you don’t need them but having them is a life saver when you’re dunning in the sand. Buy Traction Boards
- First Aid Kit
There are a ton of epic things to do in Glamis, but it is imperative to recognize that the dunes can also be extremely dangerous.
Compact Shovel – A compact shovel can be easily stored in your machine. This will help dig you out of the sand should you end up getting stuck in the dunes. The storage bag is also included with this shovel and make packing much more organized. Buy Compact Shovel
Sand Dune Safety Whip Flag & Pole – Mount a flag to your whip for improved visibility while riding around the dunes! Always have a safety flag on any machine you operate at the dunes. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a UTV, ATV, or dirt bike. Everyone is required to mount a flag to their whip. It has to extend 8 ft tall from the ground to the tip. It can be a square, triangle, or rectangle of your choice, but it has to be at least 10″ from the top, red or orange, and measure 6″ X 12″. This flag and pole meet Glamis requirements. Buy Flag & Pole
You should also have a spotter when dune riding to prevent collisions with other riders.
First Aid Kit
There are a ton of epic things to do in Glamis, but it is imperative to recognize that the dunes can also be extremely dangerous. The only way to keep the atmosphere light and to keep the off-roading fun flowing is by respecting the safety measures that have been put into place. Buy Safety Kit
FOLLOW THE LAW
Make sure you are up to date on dune safety protocols—keep safe as you ride the dunes.
Preparing for a week or weekend adventure to Glamis can be so exciting that you forget about all the practical things you shouldn’t ride without or the riding laws that keep you safe. So just as a friendly reminder:
The Small Print for Safety
There are a few rules and regulations that riders need to know before turning your off-road machine loose on the dunes.
Make sure you pack and wear a DOT-approved helmet. This goes for your passengers too. It’s the law that you wear one when exploring the dunes.
Buckle up! All drivers and passengers must be buckled at Glamis.
There’s a 15 MPH speed limit on the sand highways. This also applies when you are within 500 feet of Highway 78, Grays Well Road, Gecko, and Roadrunner recreation sites. You should also stay at 15 MPH within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people.
You cannot drive your unplated side-by-side or ATV on roads or highways.
Following the rules of the sand dune is imperative and strictly enforced for others and your safety.
We hope you plan a trip and enjoy these “tips”. Go experience what the California desert sand dunes have to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
Be sure to tell us about your destination to the sand dunes in the comments below! We would love to hear about your trip to the dunes.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See our disclosure for more info.
