The Ultimate Travel Guide to Off-Road Adventure at the Glamis Dunes
The Glamis Sand Dunes are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the thrill of off-road driving in the beautiful Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area of California. Located about two hours east of San Diego, the Glamis Dunes are the largest sand dunes in the state and offer endless opportunities for adventure. Here is a guide to help you plan your trip to the Glamis Dunes.
How to Get To Glamis:
The Glamis Sand Dunes are located in the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, which can be accessed from Highway 78 or the Glamis Store Road exit off of Interstate 8. If you are coming from San Diego, take Highway 78 east towards Brawley and then turn left onto Ogilby Road. If you are coming from Phoenix or Yuma, take Interstate 8 to the Glamis Store Road exit and follow the signs to the dunes. It is important to note that the dunes are only open to off-road vehicles, so you will need to bring a sand rail, ATV, or dune buggy to access the recreation area.
From Los Angeles:
- Take the I-10 past Palm Springs/Indio to the 86S Expressway
- Take the 86S past the Salton Sea where it will join with Hwy 78
- Stay on the Hwy 78 out of Brawley (do not take 86 out of town)
- Hwy 78 merges with Hwy 115
- As Hwy 78/115 makes a big sweeping right turn, turn left on Hwy 78
- Continue on the Hwy 78 to the Imperial Sand Dunes (approx. 19 miles)
- You can exit on Vendor Row or Gecko Road for campsite locations
From Arizona:
- Take I-10 West out of Arizona to Blythe, CA
- As you pass Blythe, look for the California Hwy 78 exit (Neighbors Blvd.)
- Exit here and at the top of the ramp turn left (South)
- Continue South on Hwy 78 through Ripley and Palo Verde (approx. 50 miles to Glamis)
- After you cross the railroad tracks, you will see the Glamis Beach Store
Where to Camp:
There are several options for camping at the Glamis Dunes. The most popular option is to camp in the designated camping areas within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. These areas have facilities such as restrooms, showers, and dump stations, and are patrolled by rangers. There are also several private campgrounds located near the dunes, which offer more amenities such as hook-ups for RVs and cabins for rent. Additionally, there are several dispersed camping areas where you can pitch a tent or park your RV for free. These areas do not have any facilities, so be sure to bring all the necessary supplies and leave no trace.
Riding the Dunes:
One of the main attractions at the Glamis Dunes is the opportunity to ride your off-road vehicle through the sand. There are over 150,000 acres of dunes to explore, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. It is important to follow all rules and regulations when riding the dunes, including staying on designated trails and respecting other riders. You should also be prepared for the challenges of driving in the sand, such as having a good set of sand tires and knowing how to drive in low range. If you are new to off-road driving or are not comfortable riding on your own, there are several companies that offer guided tours and rentals.
Must-Have Items for Glamis:
When visiting the Glamis Dunes, there are a few essential items that you should bring to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some of the must-have items include:
Dirtbikes, ATVs, sand rails, buggies, and UTVs
Sun protection: The dunes can get extremely hot, so it is important to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Water: It is important to stay hydrated in the desert, so bring plenty of water and a way to purify additional water if needed.
Food and snacks: There are no food or gas stations within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, so be sure to bring enough food and snacks to last your entire trip.
First aid kit: Accidents can happen, so it is always a good idea to bring a first aid kit with basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain medication.
Tools and spare parts: If you are bringing your own off-road vehicle, it is a good idea to bring basic tools and spare parts in case of any mechanical issues.
Maps and a GPS: It can be easy to get lost in the vast dunes, so bring a map
Safety gear: To protect yourself while riding the dunes, be sure to bring a helmet (which is required by law), goggles, pants, long sleeve shirt, gloves, and boots.
Blankets/sweaters: The dunes can get chilly at night, so be sure to bring blankets or sweaters to keep warm.
Riding pass: You will need a pass to ride the dunes, so don't forget to purchase one before your trip.
If you plan to visit the Glamis Sand Dunes between October 1st and April 15th (also known as "sand season"), you will need to purchase a Glamis pass. These passes are strictly enforced and can be purchased on site at the ranger station or in advance offsite. The ranger station is located on the dunes and is where you can also get a map and more information about the area. You can choose from a weekly pass or a season pass, depending on how long you plan to visit. Weekly passes purchased offsite cost $35, while those purchased on site at the ranger station cost $50. Season passes are $150 no matter where you buy them. It's worth noting that you need a pass even if you are not camping, as your vehicle can be towed if you are caught without a pass. To save some money, it's a good idea to purchase your pass offsite before your trip.
Top 9 Things to Do at Glamis Sand Dunes
- Watch the sunset at "The Ledge"
The Ledge is a popular spot for watching the sunset at the Glamis Sand Dunes. Located on one of the taller peaks, this is the perfect place to take in the stunning views as the sun goes down. The area can get crowded during sunsets, so be sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot and a good view.
Insider Tip: The Ledge is also a great spot for stargazing at night, so be sure to bring a blanket and some warm layers to stay comfortable
- Visit Oldsmobile Hill at night
Oldsmobile Hill is a popular spot at the Glamis dunes, known for its towering sand dune that is a favorite for off-roaders. At night, the hill comes alive with the blur of lights from vehicles racing up and down the dune. This is a sight you won't want to miss, so be sure to include it on your itinerary.
Insider Tip: If you plan to drive up Oldsmobile Hill, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you navigate in the dark.
- Check out the Sand Drags at Gecko Road
The Sand Drags at Gecko Road is a flat drag strip where people race their off-road vehicles for fun. This is a great spot to watch the action or participate in the races if you have a vehicle. The Sand Drags are located at Gecko Road, near Pad 1, and the races typically start around 3 or 4 pm and go on until sunset.
Insider Tip: If you plan to participate in the races, be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Try some "Glamis Crack" from the Glamis Diner, Duner's Diner
Glamis Crack is a popular dessert at the Glamis Dunes, made up of deep-fried Oreos with vanilla ice cream. This delicious treat can be found at the Glamis Diner, also known as Daddy's Famous Food. Both kids and adults will love this sweet treat, so be sure to stop by the diner and give it a try.
Insider Tip: The Glamis Diner also has a full menu of meals and snacks, so be sure to check it out if you get hungry during your trip.
- Take a photo at the Flag Pole
The Flag Pole is a popular spot at the Glamis dunes, known for its large metal box with a flag on top that people use for photo ops. The box is one of five that were dropped in the dunes and used for military target practice. The flag pole has been a fixture at the dunes since 2000 and is now equipped with a solar light to keep it lit up at night.
Insider Tip: The Flag Pole is especially popular on Veterans Day, when thousands of people gather to watch jets fly overhead.
6. Relax at the Tiki Huts
The Tiki Huts are a popular spot at the Glamis dunes where people can take a break from riding and relax. There are two Tiki Huts in the area, both located a couple of miles apart from each other. The huts feature a teeter-totter and a BBQ, making them a great place to hang out and have some fun.
Insider Tip: The Tiki Huts follow a "take something, leave something" philosophy, so be sure to bring something to leave behind and check out the items left by other visitors.
7. Go sandboarding at the "Whoops"
The "Whoops" is a popular spot for sandboarding at the Glamis dunes. Located near Oldsmobile Hill, this area features a series of hills and valleys that are perfect for sandboarding. If you're new to sandboarding, you can rent a board at the Glamis Store or bring your own.
Insider Tip: Be sure to wear proper protective gear when sandboarding, including a helmet, gloves, and knee and elbow pads.
8. See the "Cadillac Hill" sand sculpture
"Cadillac Hill" is a sand sculpture located at the Glamis dunes that is worth checking out. This giant sculpture is made up of a vintage Cadillac buried halfway in the sand, making it a unique and Instagram-worthy spot.
Insider Tip: The Cadillac Hill sculpture is located near the Tiki Huts, so be sure to check out both attractions while you're in the area.
9. Get a bird's eye view from "Eagle's Nest Hill"
"Eagle's Nest Hill" is a popular spot at the Glamis dunes that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Located on one of the taller peaks, this is the perfect place to take in the beauty of the dunes and get a bird's eye view of the area.
Insider Tip: Be sure to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views from Eagle's Nest Hill. The sunset from this spot is particularly beautiful, so try to time your visit accordingly.
