Skip to main content

Dune weather summary: Buttercup Valley, 91°, 7 mph, alert: Extreme Heat Warning. Dumont Dunes, 78°, 7 mph. Hungry Valley SVRA, 71°, 11 mph, alert: Heat Advisory. Imperial Sand Dunes / Glamis, 94°, 6 mph, alert: Extreme Heat Warning. Johnson Valley OHV Area, 88°, 3 mph. Oceano Dunes / Pismo Beach, 57°, 6 mph. Ocotillo Wells SVRA, 91°, 1 mph, alert: Extreme Heat Warning.

ⓘ
Buttercup Valley 91° 7 mph Dumont Dunes 78° 7 mph Hungry Valley SVRA 71° 11 mph Imperial Sand Dunes / Glamis 94° 6 mph Johnson Valley OHV Area 88° 3 mph Oceano Dunes / Pismo Beach 57° 6 mph Ocotillo Wells SVRA 91° 1 mph

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day from Full Throttle Trader

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Area info, weather, and conditions are informational only and may be inaccurate or out of date.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 the Glamis Beach Store on Hwy 78. 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.

Vendor Row

Vendor Row runs along Hwy 78 right by the Glamis Store. Gilmore Off Road is the anchor — parts, UTV rentals, and on-site repairs, family-owned since 1984. During peak season the row fills with gear, food, apparel, and accessory vendors. Full Throttle Trader will have a presence here for the season.

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