WHERE TO RIDE: TOP SAND DUNE AREAS IN THE U.S.

TOP SAND DUNE AREAS IN THE U.S.

Try something new By Matthew McNulty, photo by www.idahodunesrv.com

We are giving you a baker’s dozen of top dune areas in the U.S. We know there are lots of smaller dunes, sand pits and washes, but these are ride areas worth traveling to while involved in this sport. In fact,  some are in danger of being shut down for good, so when we have a chance to ride them, we do. If you make the trek to anywhere new this sand season, be sure to drop us a photo and tell us about your group and where you are from. We will print the photos in our letters section. All submissions can be sent to [email protected]. 

Imperial Sand Dunes, aka Glamis, CA

It’s impossible to make a “best dune areas” list without the ever-so-famous Imperial dunes, and more specifically Glamis. Widely known as the premier dunes in the U.S., Imperial Sand Dunes offers the largest OHV area for dunes in the U.S., as well as typically large crowds and parties, especially on wintertime holiday weekends. Season (October 1st–April 15th) permits cost $150, while weekly permits are available for $35. 

Contact/permit: www.blm.gov/visit/imperial-sand-dunes

Dumont Dunes, CA

Located 40 miles outside of Baker, between Death Valley and the Nevada/California border, Dumont Dunes OHV area encompasses a massive 7620 acres of public land. The massive Competition Hill marks the highest elevation of sand here at 1200 feet, with other dunes ranging from small rollers all the way to bowls for riding. Permits start at $27.50 for a weekly pass, and up to $110 for a season pass. 

Contact/permit: www.recreation.gov/activitypass/e210305d-b769-11eb-87ed-16dbf55c498d 

Oceano Dunes, CA

Located on the Pacific Coast in Central California, the Oceano Dunes SVRA features 3500 acres of beachfront sand dunes that are rideable year round, thanks to the great coastal weather. Priority access to the SVRA is provided for those reserving campsites at the state park, and other vehicles are allowed in with a $5 day-use pass up to the day-use capacity limit. Updates on the limit are available online, so it’s best to check before driving out, unless you are staying in the state park. 

Contact/permit: https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1207

Sand Mountain, NV

Sand Mountain Recreation Area is located 25 miles southeast of Fallon, Nevada, has a 4795-acre OHV area, in addition to 23 miles of riding trails outside of the open dunes. The key feature is the namesake Sand Mountain, the largest sand dune in the Great Basin. The recreation area also has several historical sites and conservation areas for wildlife. Permits begin at $40 for one to seven days, and $90 for annual use. 

Contact/permit: www.blm.gov/visit/sand-mountain-recreation-area

Coos Bay, OR

Another one of the West Coast’s sand dune gems, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is large enough to warrant several specific locations on this list. Being the largest coastal dune area in North America, as well as one of the largest temperate dune areas in the world, the dunes stretch up to 2.5 miles inland from the coast, and the recreation area totals roughly 40,000 acres. The town of Coos Bay is just south of the largest single OHV riding area in the Oregon dunes, between the Spinreel Campground and Horsfall Road. The dunes here tend to be on the more manageable side than some other areas in the Oregon Dunes, with a few pockets of bowls and jumps for those interested. 

Contact/permit: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233884

Winchester Bay, OR

Winchester Bay offers access to nearby Umpqua Beach, which features the tallest dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area that provide a great view of the beach and Pacific Ocean. Winchester Bay is also home to Banshee Hill, a narrow trail that goes through the trees up one of the tallest dunes in the area and is sure to provide an exciting ride as well as fantastic view. Dispersed sand camping is available at Umpqua Beach; however, driving on the beach is prohibited. 

Contact/permit: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recarea/?recid=42597

Florence, OR

Located at the northern end of the Oregon Dunes, Florence has access to the South Jetty Dunes, with two developed staging areas, as well as separate areas closed off to OHV use for exploration by foot. The campsite itself has 12 dispersed campsites available for those who want to wake up and go riding. The other available entry point from Florence is the Goose Pasture OHV staging area, with a large, paved parking lot to accommodate larger rigs and often filling up early in the day. 

Contact/permit: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recarea/?recid=42477

St. Anthony Sand Dunes, ID

Nowhere near the ocean, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes offer 10,600 acres of white sand for you to play and ride in just outside of St. Anthony, Idaho. The dunes themselves can be as tall and steep as any sand dune can get, with some smaller and easier-to-ride ones as well. The larger dunes available are open from April 1st through December 31st, while the smaller dunes are open year round for riding. Campsites and entry points are available at Egin Lakes Campground or Idaho Dunes RV by calling (208)624-3275; tell them Dirt Wheels Magazine sent you. Camp spots are popular in the summer months, so make reservations or early arrivals are recommended, especially for those wanting full hookups. 

Contact/permit: www.blm.gov/visit/st-anthony-sand-dunes

Little Sahara, UT

Utah’s Little Sahara (LSRA) provides access to 60,000 acres of flats, hills and sand around two hours from Salt Lake City. The most significant feature of Little Sahara is Sand Mountain, an over 700-foot-tall sand dune for those searching for bragging rights. No matter what your skill level is, there are ways to enjoy Little Sahara at your own pace. LSRA also offers 255 improved camping sites with access to 40 toilets, potable water and 16 miles of paved roads. Dispersed camping is also available. 

Contact/permit: www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/little-sahara-recreation-area

Sand Hollow, UT 

Sand Hollow State Park presents many kinds of riding experiences, including sand dunes. Offering a massive recreation area, Sand Hollow features 6000 acres of OHV riding that’s a mix of rock-crawling trails, desert, and dunes with a great view of the Sand Hollow Reservoir and more of southern Utah. Park entry for Utah residents is $15 on weekdays and $20 from Friday to Sunday; for out-of-state residents, it is $30 a day. Camping and RV sites are also available in the state park, and St. George is only a short drive away for any unforeseen needs. 

Contact/permit: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/sand-hollow/

Coral Pink Sand Dunes, UT

Located an hour east of Sand Hollow, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park provides access to 3730 acres of sand, of which the vast majority are OHV accessible. Dunes here are not very tall and are the namesake coral pink sand color, providing scenic riding unlike any other in the country. Campsites are available, and day-use fees start at $15 per vehicle. 

Contact/permit: https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/coral-pink/

Little Sahara State Park, OK

For those who want to experience riding sand dunes in the Midwest, Little Sahara State Park in Oklahoma is one of two options available. With over 1600 acres of sand dunes, Little Sahara isn’t the biggest dune area on this list, or even the biggest one named Little Sahara, but it’s location in Waynoka, Oklahoma, makes it one of the most recognizable names in sand for those not in the western half of the country. The state park itself offers campsites, as well as drinking water and toilets for use. Permits cost $10 per day, and annual passes are also available. 

Contact/permit: www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/little-sahara-recreation-area

Silver Lake State Park, MI

The other option for those in the Midwest is Silver Lake State Park, Michigan. Located in Mears, Silver Lake State Park has 500 acres of sand open for OHV riding on the shores of Lake Michigan. The dunes themselves offer up some serious elevation change, as well as great views over Lake Michigan. Michigan requires both an ORV license and a recreation passport, costing $36.50 for the license and $13 for the passport respectively. 

Contact/permit: www.michigan.org/property/silver-lake-state-park