The Ultimate Off-Road Guide to the Glamis Sand Dunes

If you are looking for a recreational area to ride the sand dunes, do not look any further than the Imperial Sand Dunes located in Glamis, CA. The Imperial Sand Dunes are the largest off-highway vehicle recreational area for sand dunes in the entire United States! There is golden sand as far as the eye can see which is why this place has earned its name of the “Sand Toy Capital of the World.” We recommend for everyone to check out the Glamis Imperial Sand Dunes and experience the thrill of riding in flowing sand dunes. If you are visiting Glamis for the first time, here is our ultimate guide on how to be prepared for your trip.

How to Get There

The Glamis sand dunes are located off of Hwy 78 between and Blythe, CA and Brawley, CA. There are two main routes you can take into the dunes depending on where you are traveling from. Keep in mind that you need a pass to be at the dunes so make sure you purchase one before you head out to Glamis or on-site once you get there.

If you are coming from the Los Angeles Area:

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

If you are coming from Arizona:

Take 1-10 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 Glamis Beach Store

Don’t Forget to Buy a Pass

If you are visiting Glamis during “sand season” (Oct 1st-Apr 15th), be prepared to pay for a Glamis pass as it is strictly enforced. You have the options to choose from a weekly pass or a season pass if you are planning to visit the dunes all season long. You can purchase the pass on site, but we recommend you buy it offsite ahead of time to save some money. Weekly passes sold offsite are $35, compared to $50 at Glamis. The season pass is $150 no matter where you purchase it.

Insider Tip: If you are buying the pass on site, you will buy it at the ranger station. They can also give you a map and more detailed information about what to see and do in the area.

Insider Tip 2: Even if you are not camping out, you still need a pass just to park. If a ranger sees you do not have a pass, your vehicle can get towed.

What to Bring:

The tiny town of Glamis, CA has no permanent structures other than a small store that sells the basic supplies you will need and a trading post so it is important to be prepared. If you are going to be camping at the dunes, there are essentials you will need besides the obvious food and drinks. Here is a list of necessary items needed at the dunes:

Safety Gear: If you are going to be riding the dunes, you will need safety gear: a helmet (it’s the law!), goggles, pants, long sleeve shirt, gloves, and boots
Repair Tools: Always be prepared with tools in case your vehicle breaks down and you can’t get back to camp right away
First aid Kit: A first aid kit is also important to have at camp in case of an injury
Blankets/Sweaters: The dunes can get pretty chilly at night so it is important to be prepared for any rapid weather changes
Riding Pass: You will not be able to ride without a pass so don’t forget to purchase one!

Where to Camp:

There are 4 main camping areas at Glamis with each having their own unique features. You should pick the campsite that suits your needs and what you are looking for in a campsite. Here are the 4 main camping areas in Glamis:

The Washes: This campsite runs along the railroad track. This site is fairly popular for the big rigs because the sand is a little more hard-packed and gravel so getting stuck isn’t so much of an issue.
The Flats: This campsite is right in the middle of the action because it is located next to the Glamis Store and vendor row. If you forgot to bring any supplies or want to rent any off-road vehicles, this is the place to camp.
Gecko Road: This campsite has spots off of the side of the road as well as paved spaces down towards the end. This spot is popular because it is close to the actual dunes. If you plan to camp here make sure to get there super early because the spots fill up fast.
The Canal: This campsite is exactly what it’s named; it is right next to a canal. IT has become a popular spot to camp because it is the quickest to get to from the freeway exit.

Ride the Dunes

Once your campsite is all settled, it is now time to hit up the dunes. If it is your first time make sure you are being safe and alert of your surroundings when riding. Safety is so important and unfortunately, accidents do happen. Here are some tips to keep in mind when riding the dunes:

Stay Alert: We aware of your surroundings. Other vehicles can come out of nowhere and you need to act fast to avoid colliding with them.
Learn the Terrain: Riding in the sand is so much different than riding on the road. Learn how to operate your vehicle and ride along the ridges.
Never Go Up a Dune: Never go straight up a dune because you do not know if another vehicle is coming up on the other side.
Avoid Hitting a Witches Eye or Razorback: Witches eyes are dangerous bowls that the wind make. Razorbacks are when the dune is steep on both sides. You do not want to hit any one of those going fast. Not only will you get injured, but your vehicle can get damaged as well.
Never Ride Alone: If you are a first-time rider, we recommend you ride with a leader that knows what they are doing. You will be much safer and also learn new tips and tricks from them.

Riding the dunes are a blast if you ride them safely and correctly. Once you get comfortable riding the dunes, the fun will never stop!

To-Do List:

Although Glamis is mainly a sea of sand, there are plenty of things to do while you are there other than riding the sand dunes. Throughout the years, things have been added to the dunes to make them more fun and enjoyable. Make sure you visit these must-see areas on your next trip to Glamis.

Art Wood's Swing Set: This is a fairly new family-friendly destination built as a memorial for our good friend Art Wood who loved the dunes and was a great friend to many. The swing set is a perfect destination to take the kids and catch a break from riding.
The Tiki Huts: the Tiki Huts are a nice place to take a break from riding and just relax before continuing with your ride.
The Famous Flag Pole: The Flag Pole is placed on a large metal box and has become fairly popular at the dunes for photo ops.

Click HERE for more fun things to do at Glamis!

Conclusion:

The Glamis Sand Dunes is the greatest dunes for off-roading. Since the majority of Glamis is covered in sand, it is important to be prepared for your trip. Make sure you know how to get there and that you have all the appropriate equipment needed for your stay. Find a campsite that you like and enjoy the dunes to the fullest. Once you experience everything Glamis has to offer, you will not want to go to any other place for off-roading! Enjoy Glamis!

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