Glamis, CA

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When most people think of the Imperial Valley the first thing they mention is the heat. Followed by the statement that “there’s nothing to do there,” but Glamis is one of those places where we can get away from the “city” and be amongst nature. Just a short drive east on State Highway eight, about forty minutes away from El Centro, CA right before the Arizona border, lays miles of silky smooth sand dunes resembling newly scooped mounds of ice cream. This area is known as Glamis, CA. In addition to, housing desert wild life what Glamis is really known for is being an off road enthusiast dream. It satisfies thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies by offering jumps, dips, and races. Typically the sand dune season runs between Labor Day in September and Memorial Day in May. Few places define the Imperial Valley, but our sand dunes are iconic for various reasons, from hosting riders, to blockbuster movies, and endangered species this natural structure and its polarity defines the Imperial Valley.
During the height of off road season Glamis turns into a little city of its own, at night the dunes blend with the sky and camps become constellations forming circles and lines sprinkled across the landscape. Thousands visit Glamis yearly to ride off road vehicles and spend time with family. By far, the most exciting and notable fact about the sand dunes is that many big name movies have filmed in and featured Glamis. In the words of the Imperial Valley film commission “With over 70 years of great movie making history, Imperial County is no stranger to the BIG or little screen” (commission www.filmimperialcounty.com). The most noteworthy and most referenced movie to shoot there is the Star Wars movie “Return of The Jedi.” Prompting many to go out annually in costumes to recreate the movie.
Unfortunately, however, for all the fun that the desert offers tragedy does strike some families and it’s a price that some pay with their lives. Overall, statistics for an entire riding season were difficult to find but one thing is clear that riding can be dangerous. This area is full of dessert wildlife including rare and protected plants like the Peirson’s milk vetch and various lizard species. A few years ago it was debated whether the glamis area should be closed so that native plants had a chance to regrow their populations. Fortunately, to the relief and anger of some in the off road community a middle ground was meet.
Despite popular belief that the desert is dead we know that that’s simply not true. This natural structure that took thousands of years to build is a representation of what it means to live in the Imperial Valley. No one expects one to survive in the extreme heat with little water and dry air but, we’ve managed to grow even thrive and enjoy what was once thought impossible conditions. The sand dunes of the Imperial Valley have a magnetic pull that bring together different types of people, plants, and wildlife. Will these forces always agree? Most likely not, but with 200 square feet of sand there is enough room for everyone and everything to carve out a little space of their own.