Dunes!
DUNES!
CYCLE WORLD’S guide to America’s sand dunes
THERE'S MORE TO THEM THAN HUGE PILES OF SAND blown hither and yon by the fickle wind; they are whole ecological systems. Not only that, dune systems are as varied from one another as are trees in the torest. Desert dune systems have a took and texture that are qualitatively different than that of sea or lakeside dunes. Each system has a unique personality, one that changes every day with the shifting winds. That's what makes dune riding so appealing.
In the latest round of ATV advertising, dune riding has been compared with snow skiing and flying. That’s because in a really good system there are few obstacles. Sure, there may be a few stumps or occasional rocks, but generally, dunes provide a smooth, varied surface consisting of hills, razorbacked wind-formed ridges, and dished-out bowls. In non-vegetated sand dunes, there’s also a primal feel that this land is not only unspoiled, but unspoilable as the shifting sands cover vehicle tracks and subtly reshape the area for future riding.
There are sand dune systems all over the country, but not all that many of them are legal and/or managed riding areas. We’ve compiled a list of the major dune riding areas around the country to give you a guide to the systems. This isn’t a complete listing of every sand dune in America, but it is a good reference, with valuable, basic information about each system.
ARIZONA
HOT WELL
(602) 428-4040 LOCATION
30 miles southeast of Safford on Haekel Road.
AREA
4000 acres, but 1000 of them are in a wilderness study area. Use will continue until further notice.
INSIDER INFORMATION
Contains low, rolling, vegetated dunes with trails around the vegetation. At this time the entire area is open to riding, but 25 percent of it is a wilderness study area that may be closed in the future. REQUIREMENTS
No official requirements, but BLM encourages usual safe practices.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is allowed on the dunes, but there are no toilets or water.
FEES
None
CALIFORNIA
DUMONT DUNES
(619)256-8617
LOCATION
30 miles north of Baker on State Route 127, follow Sperry Wash Road.
AREA
2300 acres, all ridable.
INSIDER INFORMATION
Very steep, smooth, barren dunes with no vegetation. They’re steep and excellent for hill climbing. A good road leads into the site, and there’s a hard-surface staging area for motor vehicles at the base of the dunes. A portable ranger station appears on the holidays.
REQUIREMENTS
All off-road vehicles in California must have “green sticker’’ registration and adequate mufflers with spark arrestors. CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping allowed anywhere off road, but there are no restrooms or water.
FEES
None
IMPERIAL DUNES (GLAMIS)
(714)351-6394
LOCATION
Mammoth Wash: 10 miles southeast of Niland on the Niland/Glamis Road. Glamis: 25 miles east of Brawley on State Route 78. Buttercup Valley: 15 miles west of Yuma. Arizona; south of Highway 8.
AREA
Mammoth Wash: 11,000 square acres Glamis: 87,000 square acres Buttercup Valley: 12,000 square acres INSIDER INFORMATION
Mammoth Wash: Moderately high, rolling dunes recommended for balloon-tire vehicles, but too loose for motorcycles. It is serviced by no hard-surface roads, and has no facilities. If you wish to get away from it all, it’s an isolated, low-use area.
Glamis and Buttercup Valley: Higher dunes, rolling, you can ride them all the way to Mexico. Note: Hard-surfaced road to Buttercup Valley now under construction.
REQUIREMENTS (see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is allowed off the road at these areas, but there is no water and no toilet facilities. Gecko Campground near Glamis has restrooms and hard-surfaced parking pads. It’s first come, first served, and will be crowded on weekends and holidays.
FEES
No fees required for off-road riding, camping or for Gecko Campground.
THE PARKER STRIP
(602)855-8017
LOCATION
Proceed from Parker Dam, on the California side of the Colorado River, toward Parker, Arizona. The riding area is north of the highway, across from Echo Resort. AREA
200 acres of dunes.
INSIDER INFORMATION
This is a very small area, just one dune right beside the highway. The power lines form one boundary, and the mountains another. The dune is fairly well stabilized with vegetation, and is very scenic with cliffs in the background and the Colorado River below.
REQUIREMENTS
(see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is not allowed on the dune site, but ample camping is provided nearby at Empire Landing, and at several private campgrounds.
FEES
No fee to ride, but camping fee is $5 at Empire Landing.
OLANCHA DUNES
(619)375-7125
LOCATION
2 miles east of Olancha on Highway 190. AREA
640 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
This is a relatively small area with coarsegrain sand.
REQUIREMENTS
(see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
You may camp at this area, but no facilities are available, and no water.
FEES
None
RASOR ROAD OPEN AREA
(619)256-3591
LOCATION
On Highway 15, east of Barstow, take the Rasor Road offramp and turn toward the gas station. Head east from the station, the road veers south, and the riding area is about 10 miles away.
AREA
The riding area is 22,500 acres, of which 1000 acres are dunes.
INSIDER INFORMATION
This riding area features smooth hills and brush. The Barstow-to-Vegas race is run through this area.
REQUIREMENTS
(see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is allowed, but there are no developed sites or facilities. Fire permits are required at certain times of the year.
FEES
None
RICE VALLEY DUNES
(619) 323-4421 LOCATION
5 miles south of Rice, off Route 62, access at Santa Fe Road.
AREA
2600 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
This area sees very little use, and one reason is that it has been used by the military and is contaminated with unexploded ordnance. Don’t pick up any metallic objects, and report any finds to the ranger immediately. These are very low, rolling dunes with fine sand and many little bowls.
REQUIREMENTS
(see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is allowed, but no facilities ae provided.
FEES
None
PISMO DUNES
(805) 549-3433 LOCATION
12 miles south of San Luis Obispo, west of Highway 101.
AREA
3200 total acres, 2500 open for ATV use. INSIDER INFORMATION
The beach is impassable at high tide, so ride it at low tide to find a camping spot. The speed limit is 15 mph on the beach, but there’s no speed limit in the dunes. REQUIREMENTS All off-road vehicles in California must have “green sticker” registration and adequate mufflers with spark arrestors. Must have a flag. Helmet use is strongly recommended. Riding double is not allowed. CAMPING AND FACILITIES 500 campsites and full facilities available. FEES
$2 for each street vehicle for day use, $3 per night to camp.
COLORADO
NORTH SAND HILLS
(303) 724-3437 LOCATION
Approximately 6 miles north and east of Walden, Colorado AREA 1200 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
This area is unique in that the sand hills are surrounded by mountainous terrain, conifers, aspen trees and sagebrush. Several primitive, developed trails fan out through the trees, and they skirt archaeological sites. The backdrop is the large range of the Medicine Bow Mountains to the east. REQUIREMENTS
A management plan is now being written -no requirements are in force at this time. CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Primitive campsites with no toilets or water.
FEES
None
IDAHO
ST. ANTHONY SAND DUNES
(208) 529-1020 LOCATION
6 miles west of St. Anthony, 35 miles north of Idaho Falls.
AREA
35,000 acres of pure sand
INSIDER INFORMATION
These are ever-changing dunes, with the various dune systems linked by trails. It offers opportunities for riders of all abilities, including some lower dunes and a tall dune complex that’s very challenging. REQUIREMENTS
None, but riders are encouraged to use full riding gear and flags.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
No developed sites are available, but camping is permitted on the dunes. One commercial campground is nearby with 30 sites. Water and toilets are available only at this site.
FEES
None
MICHIGAN
SILVER LAKE STATE PARK ORV AREA
(616) 873-3083 LOCATION
On the Lake Michigan coast between Ludington and Muskegon.
AREA
2900 acres in the park, 450 in the riding area.
INSIDER INFORMATION
These are high dunes, over 200 feet in elevation above Lake Michigan. A small portion of them are semi-wooded and contain a network of trails. More than half the off-road vehicle area is open with no vegetation. Note that much of the dunes are marked with directional arrows for traffic flow. When it gets too hot, you can always whip down the hill and swim in Lake Michigan.
REQUIREMENTS
Note the traffic pattern in the open dunes area. Machines must carry a square, orange flag of 50 square inches on a 10-foot pole, and have a muffler that complies with the Michigan state ORV department requirements. No passengers may be carried on ATVs; riders must wear helmets and carry a valid driver’s license. Children ages 12-16 must have a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Safety Certificate, and must be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
249 campsites, but the ATV must be trailered or towed from the campground to the dune area. Showers are available at the campground, and electricity at each site. FEES
Day permits are $2 per vehicle, or an annual permit is $ 10. Towed vehicles and ATVs are included on the towing vehicle’s permit. ATVs must have a Michigan offroad vehicle registration. Michigan residents can get them through the secretary of state’s office (license bureaus); non-resident registrations are sold at the park.
NEVADA
BIG DUNE (Amargosa)
(702) 388-6627 LOCATION
100 miles west of Las Vegas on Highway 95, 15 miles south of Beatty, Nevada. AREA
2500 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
These dunes are located on a valley floor and rise to a height of 400 feet. These are classic, windblown dunes, very steep, with smaller dunes at their base and many trails. Note that one area is restricted due to a protected habitat of the scarab beetle. REQUIREMENTS None
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is allowed free of charge, but no facilities are provided.
FEES
None
CRESCENT DUNES
(702)482-6214
LOCATION
From Tonopah, follow highway 95 toward Reno. Just 2.6 miles out turn right and proceed northeast on Gabbs Pole Line Road. The dunes are 9.4 miles ahead. AREA 700 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
These are pinkish dunes. The largest is about 400 feet high, and slopes of some are as steep as 80 degrees.
REQUIREMENTS No specific requirements.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES Camping is permitted on the site, but there are no facilities. Camping and motels are available in Tonopah.
FEES
None
LAS VEGAS DUNES ORV PLAY AREA
(702) 388-6627 LOCATION
Proceed 6 miles north from Las Vegas on Highway 15. Take Apex turnoff, go south 1 miles to dirt access road.
AREA 7700 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
These dunes range from 50 to 150 feet in height, and are composed of a very coarse, but soft, combination of sand and silt. It has a little of everything, including some sand hillclimbing areas, bowls and trails, and consists of several major dune areas with some level trail areas behind. REQUIREMENTS None specific, but safety apparel highly recommended.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
No facilities, but camping is allowed free of charge along the dune area.
FEES
None
NEW MEXICO
MESCALERO SANDS NORTH DUNE
(505)624-1790
LOCATION
37 miles east of Roswell, 1.5 miles south of Highway 380. Turn south from 380 on a gravel road located between mileposts 193 and 194.
AREA 610 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
The riding area is situated in a sea of vegetated dunes, on a major escarpment east of the Pecos River. It is composed of white quartz sand in a sea of red sand, with
cottonwood trees growing from the dunes. The dune is hourglass shaped, and situated north to south. Sand is too loose for motorcycle use—ATVs onlv are recommended. REQUIREMENTS No specific requirements, but helmets, mufflers, and flags highly recommended. CAMPING AND FACILITIES No designated camping sites are available, and no facilities are provided.
FEES
None
OKLAHOMA
LITTLE SAHARA RECREATION AREA
(405)824-1471
LOCATION
4 miles south of Waynoka on Highway 281. AREA
Approximately 1500 acres INSIDER INFORMATION
This is a combination of open dunes and trails. The dunes are moving and constantly changing, and interspersed with cottonwood trees.
REQUIREMENTS You must have a red or orange flag on a whip at least 10 feet high as measured from the ground to the top of the whip. Head and taillights are required for night riding. CAMPING AND FACILITIES This area has 21 sites provided with electricity and water; the rest is unimproved for tent camping. It also has group sites, three picnic shelters, three bath houses with showers.
FEES
No fee to ride, but camping is $8 for sites with water and electricity, and $3 for unimproved sites.
OREGON
OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
(503)271-3611
LOCATION
From Florence head south toward Coos Bay on 101. Dunes stretch all the way to North Bend.
AREA
32,000 acres approximately, with about half usable for off-road motor vehicles. INSIDER INFORMATION
These are the highest dunes in North America associated with an ocean, as some are up to 500 feet tall. Trails abound. Be on the lookout for wildlife. Pay attention to signage, as private land is interspersed with public. All Oregon beaches are state owned, and you can ride on them. According to the ranger, you could ride this dune system three days and never cross over the same ground.
REQUIREMENTS Oregon off-road vehicle regulations are strictly enforced here. They require a flag on a nine-foot pole, measuring 12x8 inches, and adequate mufflers. A helmet law is in force now in Oregon for all persons who are under 18. A helmet law is currently under consideration for all ATV riders.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is permitted and available anywhere that is at least 200 feet from a paved road.
FEES
There is no entry fee, and day use is free. ATVs registered in Oregon must have a sticker. Those from adjoining states with reciprocal agreements must have valid offroad sticker from state of origin.
UTAH
CORAL PINK SAND DUNES STATE PARK
(801) 874-2408 LOCATION
Just west of Kanab at Utah’s southwest border.
AREA
3730 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
Coral Pink has areas for all abilities, from easy grades to very challenging dunes. Because of prevailing wands, dunes tend to be crescent shaped, with one sloping side and one steep. Trails run through some of the more heavily vegetated areas, and also through the trees. The dune area is at the 6000-foot level, which means hot days and cool nights.
REQUIREMENTS Utah requires a $5 off-road vehicle registration, but accepts valid registrations from other states. Riders from states that have no such registrations, such as Nevada, should obtain a Utah registration. A flag is required, and a helmet both on and offroad for all riders age 18 and under. Beginning July 1, 1988, children under the age of 8 will not be allowed to ride off-road vehicles in Utah. Ages 8-15 must have a certificate of completion from a certified riding course. As of July 1988, registration fee increases to $ 12.
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
The campground has 22 sites and modem
restrooms with showers.
FEES
State vehicle registration $5, increasing to $ 12 on July 1, 1988. Day use fee is $3, camping $8.
LITTLE SAHARA RECREATION AREA
(801)743-6811
LOCATION
30 miles west of Nephi.
AREA
60,000 acres in the park, 40,000 in the riding area.
INSIDER INFORMATION
These are free-moving dunes of up to 200 feet in height, with Sand Mountain having a 500-foot vertical face. Little Sahara offers dune riding, desert trails and mountain trails.
REQUIREMENTS
(see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Three campgrounds are located in the area, all with flush toilets, water, firepits and tables.
FEES
Day permit for a motorized vehicle (not ATV) entering the area is $4, or $35 for a season pass. The group rate is $20 for groups of up to 40 person, and 50 cents per person beyond 40 persons.
SAND MOUNTAIN
(801)673-4654
LOCATION
7 miles northeast of St. George, Utah, south of Highway 9.
AREA 2000 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
You’ll find spectacular red-rock scenery here, with vast expanses of open spaces. The riding area includes big sand plateaus with bowls, lips, and rock outcroppings among rolling dunes.
REQUIREMENTS (see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping is allowed here, but there are no developed facilities, no toilets or water. FEES None
KNOLLS SAND DUNES RECREATION AREA
(801)524-5348
LOCATION
80 miles west of Salt Lake City on Interstate 80, 40 miles east of Wendover, south of Exit 41.
AREA
Riding area 38,400 acres, of which 9600 acres is sand.
INSIDER INFORMATION
This is a desert environment with extensive wind flats, small knolls, and trails crisscrossing the area. The dunes are covered with vegetation, but there is no water, no trees, no facilities in the dune area.
A military bombing range is adjacent the dunes. Trespassing could be decidedly unpleasant.
REQUIREMENTS (see above)
CAMPING AND FACILITIES
Camping allowed in dune area, but there are no designated sites, no toilets. Water in ponds is not potable.
FEES
None
WASHINGTON
MOSES LAKE SAND DUNES
(509) 754-2011 Extnsion 468 LOCATION
On Highway 190, take Exit 174 and follow the signs 1 mile to the ORV area.
AREA
5000 acres
INSIDER INFORMATION
Because of the size of this area you could ride six to eight hours without passing over the same ground twice. Familiarize yourself with the area before riding at a high rate of speed as the wind commonly forms dunes with abrupt 40-50 foot drop-offs. REQUIREMENTS
Washington residents must have a current slate ORV use permit on the vehicle, an adequate, working ASFS spark arrestor and a working muffler. Residents of other states must have their state’s ORV permit.
If your state does not require a permit, you mav ride 15 days without a permit. CAMPING AND FACILITIES Camping is available at the site, but no facilities are provided.
FEES None
