GLAMIS – IMPERIAL SAND DUNES
CLOSEST TOWN: BRAWLEY CALIFORNIA
Permit required: Yes
More Information: www.isdpermits.net
Located in the Southeastern end of California, just a
stone's throw from the town of Brawley, this stretch
of sand is one that draws off road enthusiasts from all
around the world. Stretching roughly 40 miles north to
south and averaging five miles wide this is the mecca
of sand. Some of these dunes stretch their arms up to
an estimated 300 plus feet in elevation which should
make for incredible sunrise or even sunset views. The
26-mile section made most popular by off-road vehi-
cles starts just north of Hwy 78 or Ben Hulse Hwy all
the way down to Hwy 8 on the Mexico border.
You can find the best parking along Gecko Rd as well
as out near Glamis store on the eastern side of Hwy 78.
If you want to bring your RV out to Glamis, then you
will be glad to know that there is no permit needed for
the RV but stacking in at places like Gecko or Road-
runner campgrounds south of Hwy 78 is a first come
first served arrangement. Visiting popular spots during
your trip to Glamis is a must and with names like China
Wall, Oldsmobile Hill and Competition hill, you will
have a full day of exploring to do. Make sure to also
look up "the Plank Road" down near Grays Well road
and learn a little history about what it was like to cross
the sand in 1915. If you plan on coming to Glamis be
sure to plan for the weather as it is Southern California
and temps can sometimes reach 110 during the day in
the summertime. Many will say that October to May is
the best time to make this trip.
Many popular events happen here and movies that
we have all watched over the years have also been
filmed in and around these epic dunes. You can visit
the section of dunes on the South end near Hwy 8
that was used for the Star Wars movie Return of The
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