Dumont Sand Dunes
Info:
The Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, also referred to as an Open Area, is an exciting and remote area for off-highway vehicle recreation. Bordered by steep volcanic hills and the slow running Amargosa River, the region is easily recognized from a distance by its distinctive sand dunes. The elevation here varies from 700 feet, at the river, to 1200 feet at the top of Competition Hill, the tallest of the dunes. The historic Tonapah and Tidewater Railroad, to the east, was in operation between 1905 and 1940. The vegetation here consists of creosote scrub, some annual grasses, and wildflowers in the spring. The low elevation in the area makes for warm to extremely hot conditions in spring and summer. Early spring wildflower displays in this vicinity can be quite impressive.
Location:
The riding area is south of the Amargosa River and east of State Highway 127, about 31 miles north of Baker, California. There are two ways of getting to the dunes. The Little Dunes staging and camping area is directly off Highway 127, conveniently located for immediate staging. One mile north of here, just off Highway 127, is Dumont Road, a dirt road which follows and crosses the river, leading to the main field of large dunes. Located about an hour northwest of Barstow and only a couple hours from Las Vegas.
Past Trips:
Dumont Dunes Easter 2005
General Information: Most visitors ride motorcycles or ATVs, sand rails, or tour the area in vehicles with four-wheel-drive. The area off Dumont Road is used extensively for OHV and sand rail staging and play. There are many opportunities for hiking, rock scrambling, rockhounding, and bird-, and wildlife-watching in the hills away from the dunes.
The Kingston Range Wilderness borders the riding area to the north. This area is CLOSED to motor vehicles. Travel outside the riding area to the south and east is permitted only on designated routes and only with street-legal vehicles. Extremes of heat and cold are common to this area! Emergency help is not immediate.
Fees: USE PERMITS ARE NOW REQUIRED AT DUMONT DUNES
For more information about Dumont Dunes – call (760) 252-6000.
1. by phone from Western Maintenance Co. – call (760) 726-6055.
2. on site from vendor on duty.
3. in person at the Barstow Field Office – 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, Calif.
All fees collected are used to support activities and projects at Dumont Dunes