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| Home > California > Glamis |
Glamis Sand Dunes
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
| Other Names | Imperial Sand Dunes, Algodones Dunes, Buttercup Valley, California Imperial, Gecko, Ogilby, Mammoth Wash, ISD |
| Last Known Status | Open |
The Algodones Dunes are a great travel opportunity for all types off road vehicle enthusiasts, spanning a 40 mile stretch with pure sand dunes of all sizes.
Whip flags are mandatory, and while the park is open year-round, the best time to ride is around late September through April because of the heat. The area can see 200 thousand riders or more on major holidays, but because of it's size, the atmosphere can still range from rowdy to secluded, depending on where you choose to go.
Services are limited but there are some vault toilets scattered throughout the area. There are no water or electric hookups and its advised that all drinking water be brought prior to entering the dunes. During the season ice cream trucks deliver ice, bottled water and snacks.
A permit is required to ride or camp here which can be purchased onsite or at nearby shops (the closest vendor that sells the permit is Glamis Beach Store). It is recommended to pick up the permit prior to entry since its not only cheaper, but the lines at the ranger station off Gecko Road can be very long, especially during holiday weekends.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | CA OHMVR stickers required Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Permit |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | CA OHMVR red sticker vehicles permitted year round |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Residents of any state not listed must purchase a Nonresident OHV Use Permit. (AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, IA, ID, IN, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) |
| Spark Arrestor | No | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is not required but is always recommended. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | CA OHMVR noise limits apply (1985/older limit 101 dB, 1986/newer limit 96 dB) |
| Whip Flags | Yes (96 inches) | Whip Flags Required For Safety |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 ATVs | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | CA OHMVR stickers required |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | CA OHMVR restrictions apply |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required by state law |
 Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Yes | Not Recommended quiet hours from 10pm to 6am |
| Trail Blazing | Permitted | |
| Rule Enforcement | Strict | Dedicated Rangers/Officers On-Site Office/Station Armed OfficersJeep/SUV Patrol Gate Inspection |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 22,000 acres (34 sq mi) | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 150 to 400 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Unknown | |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack |  Little | |
| Sand |  All | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees | None | |
| Steep Hills |  Many | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Many | |
| Large Jumps | Many | |
| Berms | Many | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads |  Few | |
| Intersections | Many | |
| Rider Traffic | Many | |
| Shade | None | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards |  Some | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) cutaway dunes, razorbacks, drop offs |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur |  Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Off-Road Dunes |
| Land | BLM |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 20-30 Miles (W) | Shell (760) 351-061 |
| Diesel | 20-30 Miles (W) | Shell (760) 351-061 |
 Water | 20-30 Miles (W) | Shell (760) 351-061 |
 RV Hookup | 30+ Miles (NW) | Glamis North KOA (760) 354-1010 |
 RV Disposal | 30+ Miles (W) | Shell (760) 351-061 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | 20-30 Miles (W) | Shell (760) 351-061 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | Yes ($50.00 per vehicle) Permit fee if purchased onsite - $50/vehicle. If purchased at participating vendors cost is $35/vehicle. Both permits good for one week. Seasonal pass is $150/vehicle. |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
| Comment | Fee permit required October 1 through April 15; remainder of the year (April 16 through September 30) is free. |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | El Centro, CA | ||
| Address | Gecko Road, Brawley, CA 92227 | ||
| From: San Diego, CA
1) Take I-8 East to Exit 118B 2) Merge north onto Imperial Valley Pioneer Expwy/SR-111, continue about 18 miles 3) Turn right (east) onto SR-78, continue about 20 miles 4) Turn right (south) onto Gecko Road. Stage anywhere. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - El Centro Field Office 1661 South 4th Street El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 337-4400 blm_ca_web_ec@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
| Contact Info | Cahuilla Ranger Station (760) 344-3919 |
| Contact Info | Glamis Beach Store 5775 E US Highway 78 Glamis, CA 92227 (760) 278-9127 |
| Comment | sells permit |
Glamis Dune Area Photo
The dunes are huge and they go on forever.
Glamis Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 1/8/2013 (Thanks!)
Glamis Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/13/2013 (Thanks!)
Glamis Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 6/23/2017 (Thanks!)
Glamis Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 6/23/2017 (Thanks!)
Glamis Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 6/23/2017 (Thanks!)
Glamis Dune Area Photo
Photo Submitted 2/13/2013 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS