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| Home > California > Buttercup Valley |
Buttercup Valley
Saturday, December 23, 2023
| Other Names | Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, Buttercup, Buttercup Sand Dunes, South Dunes |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This is the southernmost section of the Glamis Dunes, but this dune area is smaller and features three designated campgrounds. There are no hookups, so come prepared.
A permit is required to ride or camp here which can be purchased onsite at the ranger station.
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 | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | No | Not Recommended quiet hours from 10pm to 6am |
| Trail Blazing | Permitted | |
| Rule Enforcement |
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TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Off-Road Dunes |
| Land | BLM |
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 is free. |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Winterhaven, CA | ||
| Address | Grays Wells Road, Winterhaven, CA 92283 | ||
| From: El Centro, CA
1) Take I-8 East to Exit 156 2) Turn right off the exit ramp onto Grays Wells Road. Buttercup Ranger Station is on the right. |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Buttercup Ranger Station 6808 Grays Well Road Winterhaven, CA 92283 (760) 337-4400 blm_ca_web_ec@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
ADD PHOTOS
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 9,600 acres (15 sq mi) | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 180 to 250 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Unknown | |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack | None | |
| Sand |  All | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust | None | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees | None | |
| Steep Hills |  Some | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Some | |
| Large Jumps |  Many | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Shade | None | |
| Hazards |  Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur |  Mostly | |
 Expert |  Little |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | Winterhaven, CA | |
| Diesel | Winterhaven, CA | |
 Water | Winterhaven, CA | |
 RV Hookup | Winterhaven, CA | |
 RV Disposal | Winterhaven, CA | |
| Campground | Winterhaven, CA | |
 Conv Store | Winterhaven, CA |
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS