Visiting the Algodones Sand Dunes, California

March 8, 2018

While I was researching things to do in San Diego for our trip last week, I came across the Algodones Sand Dunes. Walking around sand dunes has been a staple on my bucket list for awhile now so I knew we just had to go. So one morning, we packed up the rental car and drove the two and a half hours out into the desert, not quite sure what to expect. But when we arrived, we were surrounded by rolling dunes of soft, golden sand and I couldn’t believe my eyes!

Looking at the Google map below, you can see how Highway 78 cuts right through the sand dunes. To the south of the highway, off-road vehicles are allowed and they’re driving all over the place. To the north of the highway (the green section on the map), off-road vehicles are not allowed. This green section is called the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness where you are free to walk wherever you please. There’s no sign and no trailhead. After parking at the Hugh T. Osbourne Lookout, simply make your way across the highway and walk into the dunes!

Keep in mind, you’re free to walk in the dune buggy side if you want, but it doesn’t feel very safe and it’s not nearly as peaceful!

Getting There

There are two main ways to get to the dunes from San Diego.

1. Highway 78 (the northern route) – takes more time, super curvy roads through the mountains, pretty scenery, less traffic

2. Interstate 8 (the southern route) – takes less time, pretty scenery, busier/more popular

We left from San Diego and took the northern route on Hwy 78 on our way to the dunes. This route took a lot longer than we expected because you wind your way through the mountains so you have to drive slower. On our way home, we took Interstate 8 and got home much quicker.

Parking

We parked at the top of the Hugh T. Osbourne Lookout. It’s a small parking lot and half of it was taken up by big motorhomes but even so, we didn’t have trouble finding a spot to park. There are restrooms located in the parking lot (no sinks in them, unfortunately) and there’s one picnic table available.

Fees

If you’re just visiting the dunes for a few hours, there’s no fee. If you plan on staying overnight however permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime! We were here early March and the sand was comfortable enough to walk on barefoot. I have a feeling that if you visited in the summer, the sand would be way too hot to walk on! I would definitely recommend staying at the dunes until sunset. The lighting was so pretty!

When You're There

Once again, there are two main parts of the sand dunes:

1. Imperial Sand Dunes: The action-packed side of the dunes. This area is open to ATVs, dune buggies, and other forms of off-road vehicles. I wouldn’t recommend walking around in this area for fear of getting run over!

2. North Algodones Dunes Wilderness: The peaceful side of the dunes. Encompassing more than 26,000 acres, this area is open for visitors to walk or ride horses. It is off-limits to all vehicles and mechanized use. This is where we were walking around and taking photos.

Contact Information

Phone: 760-337-4400

Email: [email protected]

Address: Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office, 1661 S. 4th Street El Centro, CA 92243

Rules & Regulations

The Dune Buggy Side

If you look closely, you can see all the tracks from the dune buggies and ATVs. We walked around this side when we first arrived but I was so nervous about getting run over by crazy drivers that we left this section after a few minutes!

North Algodones Dunes Wilderness

This is where we ended up spending the day. We were the only two people in this section of the dunes and the best part is that vehicles aren’t allowed here!

Hopefully this information is helpful! If I missed anything or if you have any questions, just comment below!

♥ Kristen

9 Comments

Leo L on June 16, 2024 at 10:32 am

A good read before going!

We visited the dunes before reading up this post yesterday (in June) and fortunately we didn’t encounter any ATVs on the buggy side, there were barely any humans either!

The sand was indeed very hot to walk on and my foot got mildly burned walking with a flip flop. While I was walking up a dune my feet shoveled all the way into the sand and it was uncomfortably burning so I had to give up walking up the dune.
Terrill on March 23, 2024 at 1:05 pm

The best guide. I’ve only photographed on the ATV side, and it was a bit sketchy. Plus the tracks in the background, were distracting in the photos. Thank you for creating this!
KG on January 20, 2023 at 4:44 pm

Wondering if there’s anyplace in the Algodones area where we wouldn’t encounter the scrub brush in our photos??
Yonas on March 7, 2021 at 11:53 am

After browsing the Internet for 30 min, this is the best information I find to plan a day trip to the Dunes. Thank you!
S on December 5, 2020 at 9:52 pm

How much time did you spend here?
Thanks!
Yinkzz on November 7, 2020 at 8:23 am

This is the best information I have been able to read about the dunes. I am actually going there and just wanted to know and see what things to do. I will be checking more of your website too!! Good job and great pictures!!
Jason on August 22, 2019 at 11:32 am

I’ve been searching for information on North Algodones Dunes. Your description gave me the best information. Thanks!
Chris on March 9, 2018 at 9:07 am

Wow, cool!
Courtney on March 9, 2018 at 9:02 am

The sand dunes look so pretty.
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