Yuma Arizona is less than 20 minutes away from Imperial Sand Dunes also known as Algodones Dunes. Atvs or quads enthusiasts, Sand Rails or Dune buggies, VW buggs, UTVS, Dirtbikes and just plain dune lovers, all make their way each year to this famous Landmark. Some Argue that it is the greatest riding place in the world, while others set up home in this "Weekend City." Thousands of OHV enthusiasts flock this famous get-a-way. The best way to get the most out of what your Dune Experience is to know the Latest information. Laws and regulations are constantly changing so do your work and get what the BLM likes to call it " Dune Smart". The Imperial Sand Dunes brings in over 1.2 million visitors a year according to The Yuma Sun. (Newspaper in Yuma Arizona.)
According to the BLM the region was filled with tropical climate, until a shift occurred on the San Andreas fault. The shift caused the mountains to push up cutting off the moisture filled air in the region. There was also a drop in the interior Southern plains and it formed the Salton Sink. The drastic change caused the plant life as well as animals to adapt to the climate or perish.
The Colorado River sometimes flowed through this area, it was sometimes diverted by the silt deposits. Sometimes it went into the California Gulf and sometimes it flowed into the Salton Sink. When the Salton Sink was filled it had a fresh water lake referred to as Lake Cahuilla. The most popular theory is the dunes were formed from windblown beach sands of the Lake. The change in the wind direction caused the dunes to form some higher than others. If you take a snapshot of the Sand dunes on one day you can go back a whole week later and capture a totally different dune. It is said, the Imperial Sand Dunes moves at the rate of one foot per year in the southeastern direction. There have been rumors of ships hidden in the dunes. What we do know is there are tons of car keys that have been a victim of the Imperial Sand Dunes.
Being OHV enthusiasts the greatest thing about living in Yuma, Arizona is that the Imperial Sand Dunes is only a short drive away!
For more information on Imperial Sand Dunes visit
BLM Imperial Sand Dunes
