The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to Dumont Dunes

There is no denying that Dumont Dunes is one of the best places for dune riding in California. Although surrounded by steep volcanic hills and the slow running Amargosa River, this place is most known for steep sand dunes. The main dunes at Dumont are scenic and huge with lots of razorbacks and varying slopes to keep it interesting. If you are planning to visit the Dumont soon, here is the ultimate guide to Dumont Dunes and the things to do while you are there.

About Dumont Dunes:

How to Get There:

Dumont Dunes are located approximately 31 miles north of Baker, CA. The route you take to the dunes will depend on where you are coming from.

Baker, CA to Dumont Dunes:

Take Hwy 127 N for approximately 34 miles. (You'll pass "Little Dumont" on the right-hand side)
Passing Little Dumont, you'll see a sign for Dumont Dunes pointing to the right.
Turn on Dumont Dunes Rd (gravel road).
Proceed approx. 3-4 miles, crossing the Amargosa River Crossing (cement slab), and pull up to the pay station.
Once you pass the pay station, stay on the gravel road as it brings you uphill to the top of the plateau.

Arizona to Dumont Dunes:

Take Nf-416, AZ-288 N and Young Hwy to AZ-260 W in Coconino County
Follow AZ-260 W and AZ-87 N to Lake Mary Rd in Happy Jack
Take I-40 W, AZ-68 W, NV-163 W, and US-95 N to Nipton Rd in Searchlight
Get on I-15 S in San Bernardino County
Follow I-15 S and CA-127 N/Death Valley Rd to Dumont Dunes Rd
Follow Dumont Dunes Rd to Sperry Wash Rd

DON’T Forget your Riding Pass:

A riding permit is required for every vehicle or rig entering and exiting the Dumont Dunes area. The price of the pass will depend on what day(s) you need it and how long you want the pass for. Below are the current prices for the pass. The Holiday Pass is required for Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Martin Luther King Day, and President’s Day. We recommend buying your pass ahead of time from an off-site vendor or the Barstow BLM directly.

Weekly pass for any non-holiday week - $30
Weekly pass that includes a holiday weekend - $40
Annual Pass with holiday Black-out dates - $90
Annual Pass with no blackout dates - $120

Camping:

Camping at Dumont Dunes is fairly easy because you can pick any area as long as it is not blocking any road. The camping space is a large flat area so there is a lot of space to choose from. There are no campgrounds or spots to reserve or pay for. If you are traveling to Dumont Dunes for the first time, make sure you have everything you need for your stay because there are no facilities other that pit toilet restrooms. The closest stores, hotels, and gas stations are in Baker (approximately 30 miles away). Dumont Dunes has no dumpsters so make sure that you pack up everything before you head out. Keeping Dumont Dunes clean will allow others to fully enjoy their stay there as well.

Dumont Rules and Regulations:

Dumont Dunes can be great fun, but visitors must be able to follow the rules and regulations of the area. The vehicles most visitors ride at the dunes are ATV’s, sand rails, or four-wheel-drive vehicles. All vehicles entering the dunes must have a muffler or spark arrester and have a street-legal license or be a registered off-highway vehicle. Any person riding an ATV must wear a helmet at all times. Below are other rules and regulations that must be followed at all times:

No motor vehicle shall exceed 15 mph within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals
If you are not a resident of California and your OHV is not registered in your home state, you are required to have a California "Nonresident" OHV permit to legally operate your vehicle.
All OHVs must have a whip for visibility in the dunes.
Vehicles operated at night must use both headlights and taillights
Only one person at a time is allowed on an ATV
Possession or use of any glass container, empty or not, used for carrying any liquid for drinking purposes is prohibited
SHOOTING IS NOT PERMITTED within this area
Draining of sewage tanks, littering, or dumping of trash is prohibited

👇Things to Do:

Visit the North Pole:

The North Pole is one of the most popular places at Dumont Dunes because it gives riders a chance to relax and take a break from riding. The North Pole is a heavy-duty pole in the middle of nowhere with an attached mailbox where kids write letters to Santa along with random notes from other dune riders. There is usually a marker inside of the mailbox that some duners use to sign their name on the box. The North Pole is approximately a 10-15 min ride from the camp area. The North Pole is a must-see spot for both kids and adults!
Insider Tip: Any off-road travel beyond the North Pole out into the desert is prohibited!

Coordinates: 35° 41.20 N / 116° 10.61 W

Comp Hill:

Competition Hill is located in the middle of Dumont Dunes. At approximately 450 feet tall, comp hill is the biggest dune at Dumont. This hill ranges from being very steep on the left side of the hill to a longer, gradual incline in the middle. Advanced duners use the steep side of this hill climb for riding competitions on Thanksgiving weekend. Night time drag racing, partying, and loads of sand rails, bikes, quads, and spectators fill the bottom of the hill well into the night. This hill is always very crowded with riders but it is a lot of fun to ride.

Coordinates: 35°40'46.25"N / 116°13'38.81"W

Banshee Hill:

Banshee Hill has become extremely popular for quad “hill shooters” over the last several years. The hill has grown in size and distance due to the shift of the sand over the years making it another popular spot at Dumont. You usually see fast hill shooter 450’s and Banshees racing up and down this hill. You can find Banshee Hill on the left-hand side as you go through the whoops to Comp Hill.

Coordinates: 35°41'4.06"N / 116°13'23.86"W

Visit Little Dumont:

Dumont Dunes are known for having very steep dunes, and not very suitable for kids. Little Dumont is a great riding spot for families with kids because there are no big hills or dunes. You can find Little Dumont just off Highway 127. There is a trail that connects Little Dumont to the bigger dunes so it is easy to travel back and forth with your family. Although Little Dumont is a different area, the same rules and regulations from Dumont Dunes apply here as well.

Coordinates: 35°38'56.35"N / 116°17'34.49"W

Sperry Wash:

The Sperry Wash is a great place for Dumont visitors because it offers a change in pace and scenery. The trail leaves the Amargosa River bed and travels up Sperry Wash. Off-road vehicles are not allowed on the main entrance road to Dumont, but there is another trail alongside the road off-road vehicles to travel to the Sperry Wash from the camp area. There are a few river crossings throughout the trail which make your trip there a great adventure. The trail curves through canyons

Insider Tip 1: The trails consist of mostly pea gravel and dirt so you will want to bring your dirt tires with you if you plan to ride the trail.
Insider Tip 2: Most people pack a lunch and plenty of drinks as it usually takes a few hours to go through and come back

Coordinates: 35°41'50.38"N / 116°15'4.60"W

Visit Vendor Row:

Dumont Dunes has no permanent facilities, but make sure to check out vendor row if you decide to visit on a holiday weekend. During these highly crowded weekends, you can find almost everything you need to camp at Dumont’s Vendor Row. Anything from t-shirts, ATV parts, firewood, delicious food, and much more! Some vendors even sell their merchandise every other weekend from October to April. If vendor row is set up during your trip, help support our local vendors!

Coordinates: 35°41'32.77"N / 116°14'35.65"W

Enjoy the Dunes!
If you are looking for the ultimate off-road riding experience, then the Dumont Dunes is your place! The Dumont Dunes has the steepest dunes imaginable and also some pretty cool places to visit. It is the perfect place for families because they have both small and big dunes so everyone can have fun! Come check out the Dumont Dunes and enjoy the thrilling dunes!

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