Dumont Dunes OHV Area
Pure sand playground in the Mojave Desert
Dumont Dunes sprawls across 8,000 acres of pure sand in the Mojave Desert, offering the closest thing California has to an Arabian sand sea. The dunes rise up to 300 feet above the desert floor, creating natural half-pipes and bowls that attract everyone from sandrail pilots to motorcycle riders testing their mettle against gravity. Comp Hill serves as the proving ground where weekend warriors attempt the near-vertical climb that separates pretenders from the real deal — expect to see plenty of spectacular failures and occasional triumphs.
Easy to moderate difficulty depending on where you point your vehicle, but don’t underestimate the sand’s ability to swallow underpowered rigs. You’ll want aired-down tires, recovery gear, and plenty of water since temperatures regularly hit triple digits. Best visited October through April when the desert isn’t actively trying to kill you. No permits needed, but camping requires paying the fee station. What you get is pure freedom to explore terrain that changes with every windstorm, plus some of the best stargazing in Southern California.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | 2WD with sand tires |
| Nearest town | Baker, California |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock pickup truck handle the sand dunes?
You'll need sand tires or paddle tires and should air down to 12-15 psi. Stock 2WD vehicles can work but 4WD with sand tires is much better for climbing the bigger dunes.
Is Dumont Dunes open during summer months?
The area is open year-round but summer temperatures exceed 110°F regularly. Best riding is October through April when temps are manageable.
Do I need permits or pay fees to ride at Dumont Dunes?
No entrance fees or permits required, but you need current vehicle registration and a safety flag mounted at least 8 feet high while riding.
What's the most challenging part of this trail system?
The steepest dune faces on the north side can be tricky climbs, and getting stuck in soft sand bowls happens frequently to inexperienced riders.
How far is it to gas and supplies from the dunes?
Baker is 30 miles away with gas, food, and basic supplies. Bring extra fuel since sand riding burns significantly more gas than normal driving.