Dumont Dunes
- Open: Year round (but riding only recommended October – April)
- Latitude/Longitude: 35.69138056, -116.2389028
- Managed by: BLM
- Usage: Heavy (Insane on holidays)
- Fee:
- Weekly pass (non-holiday): $30
- Weekly pass (with holidays): $40
- Season pass (Oct 1 – Sept 30; non-holiday): $90
- Season pass (Oct 1 – Sept 30; with holidays): $120
*Holidays include: Halloween week, Thanksgiving week, New Years week, the week around MLK weekend, and the week around President’s Day weekend.
- Camping: Free dispersed camping (but you do need a dune pass)
- Location: SE California near the NV border
Directions
Main Dune Area
From Baker CA
- Drive 34 miles on Hwy 127 North
- Turn Right on Dumont Dunes Rd (this is a dirt road)
- Follow road 3.4 miles to the main dune area
Little Dunes
- You will reach Little Dune before the Main Dune area. Access is one mile south of the main dune area directly off Hwy 127.
Dumont Dunes OHV Area
While Glamis gets 1,000,000 a year, the Dumont Dunes only get about 200,000 visitors a year.
It’s smaller and less crowded than Glamis Sand Dunes, but this remote dune area is still one of the most popular OHV areas in the country. It springs up like a small town in the middle of the dessert.
It’s a quick drive for a few million people since it’s only 2 hours from Las Vegas and 3 1/2 hours from Los Angeles. So, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, this is not the place for you.
Despite the crowds, it’s a fun place. If possible plan a visit Monday – Thursday. It will still be busy, but you’ll avoid the worst of it. Unless you’re into crowds, noise and partying, avoid three-day weekends at all costs.
At only 8,150 acres, the Dumont Dunes are considered a fairly small dune area; they are about 3-4 miles long and 1.3 miles wide. The region ranges from 700 – 1200 feet above sea level.
This video will give you an idea of the crowds and vibe on weekends during the riding season. Monday – Thursday are a lot less chaotic.
Two Separate Dune Regions
Little Dumont
As the name would suggest, this is a smaller dune area with it’s own access point off Hwy 127. This is a nice option for camping and riding for families with children. There isn’t as many riders, so it’s a little less chaotic.
There is an easy trail that connects these two riding areas, so you can travel back and forth.
Main Dumont Dune Area
This is the main larger dune area, one mile north of Little Dumont which is also accessed from Hwy 127.
Dune Terrain
These ATV sand dunes offer a variety of terrain for riders of all skill levels – big bowls, small rolling dunes and some steep climbs.
Two of the largest and busiest dune hills are Comp Hill and Banshee Hill.
Comp Hill, at 450′ tall, is the larger of the two, but both of these hills are very popular with racers. There’s tons of night time riding and partying, so use caution.
The North Pole makes for a fun trip with kids. There’s a large white pole with red stripes (Christmas type theme) and another short pole with a mailbox. Kids write messages to Santa and put them in the mailbox.
It’s a popular destination, but even with company, it’s a lot more chill than the dunes. There’s usually paper and pens for use, but pack your own just in case.
South Pole is less popular than North Pole – it’s just a short pole in an open area, so not much to see. But it makes for a relaxing ride or a meet up destination.
Super bowl is just that – a super big riding bowl. You can see this bowl designated on the map above.
At one time, Super Bowl was one of the largest bowls in the dunes. Of course, this made it a popular destination, so it was named and marked. However, over time this bowl has become smaller while other bowls have become larger. It’s still a good ride though!
Veteran’s Hill Swing Set (35°41’21.0″N 116°13’06.7″W) is a monument to those who served. The swing set is near a big hill that attracts crowds checking out riders attempting to catch big air.
Weather
This is a hot desert area with temperatures soaring well over 110 degrees in the summer. I’m talking 120 degrees! This is not where you want to be in July.
The main riding season is October – April. This makes it a perfect winter getaway, especially if you live somewhere where the snow is flying.
In the winter, temperatures range in the 60s – 70s during the day, but can drop below freezing at night.
Sperry Wash
- Total miles: 28.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Located right outside Dumont Dunes is Sperry Wash (AR0412). If you need a break from all the adrenalin of the dunes, then this relaxing family friendly ride may be just the light adventure you need.
This route starts at the entrance to the dunes, but there are also several random cross country routes from the north section of the dunes that provide access.
It’s an easy ride along a sandy wash which is part of an old west travel route, the Old Spanish National Historic Trail.
Because this route is a wash, keep in mind that flash floods are possible. In places, Sperry Wash does cross the Amargosa River, but it’s usually not an issue except during flooding. Typically it’s either dry or very shallow and easy to cross.
Like a lot of desert routes, this wash trail isn’t always easy to follow. Sand and changing conditions can sometimes make finding the route difficult.
Camping At Dumont Dunes
The camping is free, but you will need a pass to access the dunes. 14 day limit.
There is no official campground, just a very large flat stretch of open land for camping. You just pull up and set up. It’s open sand with no shade.
Choose a camping spot on the outskirts of the main central camping area.
On the fringe, but close to a restroom – this will be your best bet.
If you like the energy and want to socialize, the busy area is fun, but it is also noisy, so keep that in mind. If you have kids, definitely head to the outskirts away from the chaos.
No running water or amenities. Pit toilets are available. Pack it in, Pack it out. This is a remote area, so plan accordingly. Closest stores, gas, motels and amenities are 30 miles away in Baker CA and 50 miles away in Pahrump NV.
But, even though this is a remote sand dune, there are some service providers on what is called Vendor Row. There are only about 10 vendors, but it offers a little bit of everything.
You can buy ice, water, ice cream, casual fast food, snacks, flags and clothing. For being in the middle of nowhere, it’s a pretty happening place.
- You must purchase a Dumont Dune Season Pass prior to arrival. Vendors at the dunes sometimes have them available, but your best bet is to buy them in advance from the BLM or an off-site vendor.
- Weekly passes are available for sale at the dunes from vending machines.
- All ATV / UTV must be registered and display a red or green sticker. $52 for 2 years
- If your ATV is not registered in your home state, you must purchase a California “Nonresident” OHV Use Permit. (cost $30)
- No glass containers.
Where Can I Purchase A Dune Pass?
There are no daily passes, only weekly or seasonal.
Weekly passes are available at the dunes, they’re sold from vending machines.
If you want a season pass, be sure to purchase it in advance. They’re not always available at the dunes. Some onsite vendors have them for sale occasionally, but stock is limited.
Buy A Pass from the BLM
Order by Phone: 760-252-6000
In Person:
BLM Barstow Field Office
2601 Barstow Road,
Barstow, CA 92311
Businesses Selling Dumont Dune Season
Supplies Are Limited – Call Before You Drive
Las Vegas
Johnnie Walker RV
4784 Boulder Hwy.
Las Vegas NV 89121
Phone: 702-436-2495
Carter PowerSports
6275 South Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas NV 89118
Phone: 702 795-2000
Baker CA
K&Y Country Store
(76 station across from Mad Greek in Baker)
72129 Baker Blvd.
Baker CA 92309
Phone:760-733-4252
Grewal Travel Center
(76 Baker Travel Plaza)
72363 Baker Blvd.
Baker CA 92309
Phone: 760-733-4505
Valero Service Station
71808 Baker Blvd.
Baker CA 92309
Phone: 760-733-4542
Pahrump NV
Parker’s Kawasaki
1201 S. Hwy 160
Pahrump NV 89048
Phone: 775-537-6686
Shoshone CA
Shoshone General Store
Highway 127,
Shoshone CA 92384
Phone: 760-852-4224
Where To Purchase A Nonresident OHV Permit
California Non-Resident OHV Permit Vendors
Dumont Dunes Rules
- All vehicles must have a muffler or spark arrestor and have either a street-legal license or be registered as an off-highway vehicle.
- If you are not a resident of California and your OHV is not registered in your home state, you are required to have a California “Nonresident” OHV permit to legally operate your vehicle.
- All OHVs must have a mast and red or orange flag for visibility in the dunes.
- Vehicles operated at night must use both headlights and taillights.
- Helmets are required to be worn by all riders of ATVs.
- Only one person at a time is allowed on an ATV.
- Possession or use of any glass container, empty or not, used for carrying any liquid for drinking purposes is prohibited.
- Camping is allowed anywhere within the riding area as long as it does not block travel on a road, and is limited to a 14-day stay.
- Shooting is not permitted within this area.
- Draining of sewage tanks, littering, or dumping of trash is prohibited.
- Do not burn pallets or wood with nails!
- No motor vehicle shall exceed 15 mph within 50 feet of any campground, campsite, or concentration of people or animals
- SPEED, TURNING, RECKLESS DRIVING: You may not drive a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the safety of other persons or their property
- Helmets must be worn by all operators and passengers in side x sides 1000cc or less
California OHV Laws
OHV Registration Requirements (explains the red/green stickers)
California Vehicle Code Division 16.5 (legal statutes regarding OHVs)