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Dune weather summary: Buttercup Valley, 97°, 0 mph, active alert: Extreme Heat Warning. Dumont Dunes, 88°, 0 mph. Hungry Valley SVRA, 70°, 17 mph. Imperial Sand Dunes / Glamis, 96°, 2 mph, active alert: Extreme Heat Warning. Johnson Valley OHV Area, 85°, 2 mph. Oceano Dunes / Pismo Beach, 55°, 3 mph, active alert: Beach Hazards Statement. Ocotillo Wells SVRA, 96°, 8 mph.

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Buttercup Valley 97° 0 mph Dumont Dunes 88° 0 mph Hungry Valley SVRA 70° 17 mph Imperial Sand Dunes / Glamis 96° 2 mph Johnson Valley OHV Area 85° 2 mph Oceano Dunes / Pismo Beach 55° 3 mph Ocotillo Wells SVRA 96° 8 mph
All Riding Areas

The Sand Capital of the World

Imperial Sand Dunes / Glamis

The Imperial Sand Dunes — known as Glamis — is the largest OHV sand dune recreation area in the United States. Stretching 40 miles long and 5 miles wide along Highway 78 in Imperial County, it draws hundreds of thousands of riders every season.

Imperial Sand Dunes / Glamis riding area
Location Highway 78, Glamis, CA (Imperial County) (opens in new tab)
Coordinates32.9926512, -115.0799371
Size40 miles long x 5 miles wide

Weather

Season Conditions

Low desert climate. Riding season is fall through spring — summer is dangerously hot.

Jun-Sep (OFF SEASON) 105-120F daytime

Too hot to ride safely. The dunes are nearly empty.

Oct-Nov 75-90F days, 50-60F nights

Season opens. Great riding weather.

Dec-Feb (PEAK) 65-75F days, 35-45F nights

Peak season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Presidents Day are the big weekends.

Mar-Apr 80-95F days

Season winds down. Easter is the last big weekend.

Area info, weather, and conditions are informational only and may be inaccurate or out of date. Verify weather, closures, permits, and hazards before and during any trip. See Terms.

Permits

Passes & Requirements

Required
1
Season
October 1 - April 15
Weekly Fee
$55
Season Pass
$150 (annual)
Green Sticker
California OHV Green Sticker required year-round for registered OHVs

One permit per primary vehicle. Required immediately upon arrival during permit season.

  • Glamis Store (on Hwy 78) — weekly + season passes
  • BLM Ranger Station on Gecko Road — weekly + season passes
  • Gas stations in Blythe & Palo Verde on Hwy 78 — weekly permits
  • Chaparral Motorsports (cash only) — season passes
  • Del Amo Motorsports (5 locations) — season passes
  • isdpermits.net — online, with store locator

Gas

Fuel available at Glamis Dunes Storage. Nearest full-service stations in Brawley (~25 miles) or Blythe. Bring extra fuel for the dunes — there are no pumps in the sand.

Food

Glamis Beach Store carries snacks, drinks, and basics. Food vendors set up on Vendor Row during peak season. Most riders pack in their own supplies.

Rules

Ride Notes

  • OHV permit required Oct 1 - Apr 15
  • Green sticker required year-round for registered OHVs
  • No glass containers in the dunes
  • Helmets required for riders under 18
  • Stay on designated OHV areas — closed ecological zones are enforced
  • Whip flags required on all vehicles