Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area

 park, recreation area / ground, dunes, National Natural Landmark

Situated east of the Imperial Valley agricultural region, the dunes are bordered to the west by the Coachella Canal, a waterway diverting Colorado River water to fertile agricultural lands further north. A major east-west route of the Union Pacific railroad skirts its eastern edge, a time-worn testament to the impediment the dunes once played to travel between San Diego and Phoenix. The dune system consists of three areas. The northernmost area is known as Mammoth Wash. This open area allows OHV use and offers a more isolated experience.

www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_isdra_glamis.htm

South of Mammoth Wash is the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness. Established in 1994, this area is closed to all mechanized traffic, so access is by foot or on horseback only. Here you will find endless miles of quiet solitude. The southernmost boundary of the wilderness is State Highway 78; just south of this highway the largest and most heavily used dunes are found. With some restrictions, these primary dunes may be traveled south toward the Mexican border.
Imperial Sand Dunes Cahuilla Ranger Station
Gecko Road
Brawley, CA 92227 US 760-337-4400

. Glamis is a desert that is known for its terrain of soft sand throughout and an abundance of dunes. Non-locals are frequent visitors at this desert because it is well-known to people that don’t know the Imperial Valley well. This desert is visited by a lot more famous people then the other deserts in the Imperial Valley and has been featured on television shows and movies as well. The unfavorable part of Glamis is that you have to pay for a pass in order to use the area. Superstition Mountain and Plaster City are free to use.