Imperial Sand Dunes

Located in California's southeast corner and also known as the Algodones Dunes or Glamis Sand Dunes, the BLM-managed Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area covers over 118,000 acres of land a corridor 45 miles long and six miles wide making this the largest mass of sand dunes in the state. Their orientation is along a northwest-southeast line, owing to the prevailing northerly and westerly winds here, which have been sculpting the windblown sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla for centuries.

As a designated wilderness area, the Imperial Sand Dunes are home to a wide range of desert flora and fauna, including some very rare plants and animals. They are probably best known, however, as an off-road recreation site, especially among All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts.

Those who wish to visit the dunefield must have a permit issued by the BLM. The basic weekly permit costs $25 if purchased in advance or $40 when bought on site. Season permits are also available, and they apply to the entire Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area and its one-mile planning area boundary. The Glamis North KOA RV Resort offers camping and hook-ups near the north end of the dunes, along with a café and a gift shop, at 10595 Hot Mineral Spa Road, Niland, California 92257.