Glamis:
150,000 Acres
of Pure Sand.
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area — known as Glamis — is the largest OHV sand dune area in the United States. 40 miles long, 5 miles wide, golden sand as far as you can see. It's been called the Sand Toy Capital of the World for a reason. Whether it's your family's first dune trip or your hundredth, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go — including what vehicle to bring and what paperwork to have ready.
Glamis Pass — What It Costs and Where to Buy
The recreation permit is required for any visit to the Imperial Sand Dunes during sand season (October 1 through April 15). The pass applies to your tow vehicle or street-legal truck — not to the OHVs you unload and ride. Buy it in advance online to save money and skip the gate line on busy holiday weekends.
🎫 Glamis Recreation Pass Pricing
Buy your pass at isdpermits.net or at BLM field offices and select outdoor retailers. Purchasing in advance is strongly recommended — gate lines at peak holiday weekends can be very long and the pass is non-negotiable.
When to Visit Glamis from Los Angeles
Thanksgiving Weekend
The biggest Glamis event of the year. Tens of thousands of riders. Arrive early — campsites fill fast. Permit required.
Christmas & New Year's
Second largest event. Major holiday atmosphere, huge crowds. Plan your campsite well in advance.
President's Day Weekend
One of the top three holiday weekends at Glamis. Great weather, full season sand conditions.
October–November
Early season — cooler temps, manageable crowds before the peak holidays. Ideal for first-time families.
January–March
Post-holiday season with good weather and lighter crowds. Some of the best riding conditions of the year.
May–September
No sand season pass required but temperatures regularly exceed 110°F. Dangerous for riding. Plan a fall or winter trip instead.
First Time at Glamis? What to Expect on the Sand
Glamis is open dune riding — no marked trails, no designated routes. That's both the appeal and the learning curve. Beginners who stay on the flat open areas and practice basic throttle and steering control will have a great first trip. The mistake most first-timers make is going too fast, too soon, toward the big bowls and steep climbs before they've gotten a feel for sand riding.
Sand riding is different from dirt trail riding. You need more throttle to keep momentum in soft sand. Your bike or ATV will feel heavier and less responsive than on hardpack. Start flat, get comfortable, then work your way toward the rolling terrain. The wide open space means there's no pressure to be anywhere specific — take your time and enjoy the experience.
Key landmarks for first-timers: Vendor Row is the main commercial area near the entrance — food, supplies, and help if you need it. The Ledge is a popular high point with stunning sunset views. Gecko Road provides access to the northern camping areas. Stay aware of other riders at the top of dune crests — always check what's on the other side before you crest a hill.
🛻 Planning a Glamis Trip? FE Motorsports is Open Every Day.
Glamis is a 3–3.5 hour drive from Los Angeles — a proper long weekend trip. Before you leave, stop into FE Motorsports at 2916 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles. We're open 7 days a week — Mon–Sat 9AM–6PM, Sunday 9AM–2PM. Pick up your vehicle in the morning, load it up, and head east on the I-10.
A beginner youth ATV starts under $1,000 — fully assembled, California Green Sticker approved, same-day registration. Most customers are in and out in about 20 minutes. Call (323) 588-6634 to confirm availability before your trip.
Get Your Vehicle Before You Go — ATVs & Dirt Bikes in Los Angeles
FE Motorsports at 2916 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles carries a full lineup of youth ATVs and dirt bikes — all fully assembled, California Green Sticker approved, and available for same-day pickup. We're on the west side of the I-10 — stop in before heading east to Glamis.
🏎️ Youth ATVs — Speed Governor & Remote Kill Switch Included
Automatic, speed governor, remote kill switch. The right first quad for sand dune riding — easy to control, parent-managed, Green Sticker approved.
125cc auto w/reverse, disc brakes, speed governor and remote kill switch. Ready for the open dune terrain at Glamis.
125cc auto w/reverse, speed governor and remote kill switch. A confident step up for riders tackling Glamis bowls and open terrain.
Sport-oriented 125cc with auto w/reverse, speed governor and remote kill switch. Built for riders exploring the full Glamis dune network.
🏍️ Youth Dirt Bikes — Automatic & Semi-Auto
Lightweight automatic — ideal for a first sand dune ride. The flat open areas at Glamis are perfect for building confidence on a 58cc.
Automatic with electric start. Sand riding is easier on an automatic — this is the right first dirt bike for Glamis.
Semi-auto 70cc with front suspension. For riders ready to explore more of Glamis's varied dune terrain.
70cc automatic with electric start — our most popular youth dirt bike for first-time Glamis trips.
👨👩👧 Adult ATVs — The Whole Family on the Sand
Glamis is more fun when everyone rides. Our full-size adult quads handle the open dune terrain and rolling sand hills with ease.
Full-size adult quad with fuel injection and auto w/reverse. Handle the big Glamis bowls and open dune terrain with confidence.
Full-size Commander 200, auto w/reverse. Lead the family across the Imperial Sand Dunes — wide open terrain for all skill levels.
More OHV Riding Near Los Angeles — Related Guides
Not ready for a 3.5-hour drive? We've got guides to OHV destinations much closer to Los Angeles:
🏔️ Gorman / Hungry Valley SVRA Guide
19,000 acres, 130+ miles of trails. 60 min from LA.
🏍️ Rowher Flat OHV Guide
60+ miles of trails, no staging fees. 40–45 min from LA.
🌳 Brentwood — Youth ATVs & Dirt Bikes
OHV destinations within 45–75 min of Brentwood.
🏖️ Pacific Palisades & Topanga — Youth ATVs & Dirt Bikes
OHV destinations within 40–70 min of Pacific Palisades.
Frequently Asked Questions — Glamis Imperial Sand Dunes
Heading to Glamis? Get Your Vehicle First.
FE Motorsports — 2916 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles. On the way to the I-10. Fully assembled, California Green Sticker approved, same-day pickup. Open 7 days a week — stop in any morning before your Glamis trip.
📞 Call (323) 588-6634 📍 Get Directions to FE Motorsports