Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area

The Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a remote and thrilling location for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts. Located near the Amargosa River and Highway 127, this area is characterized by its distinctive sand dunes, including the prominent Competition Hill. With elevations ranging from 700 to 1200 feet, the region offers diverse activities such as riding motorcycles, ATVs, and sand rails, as well as hiking, rock scrambling, and wildlife watching. The area includes the family-friendly Little Dunes and the more challenging main dune field, ideal for experienced riders. Access is convenient from Baker, California, with camping and staging areas available. The terrain varies from sand dunes to rocky routes, ensuring a range of challenges for all skill levels. Safety precautions are necessary due to extreme temperatures and limited emergency services.

History and Vegetation

To the east, remnants of a historic site from 1905 to 1940 can be found. The landscape is covered with creosote scrub, some annual grasses, and wildflowers that bloom beautifully in early spring. Due to its low elevation, the area experiences warm to extremely hot conditions during spring and summer.

Access

The riding area lies south of the Amargosa River and east of Highway 127, about 31 miles north of Baker, California. You can access the dunes in two ways:

Little Dunes Staging and Camping Area:

This is directly off Highway 127 and perfect for immediate staging.

Dumont Road:

One mile north of Little Dunes, just off Highway 127, this dirt road crosses the river and leads to the main dune field.

Activities

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

Riding motorcycles, ATVs, and sand rails
Touring the area in four-wheel-drive vehicles
Hiking and rock scrambling
Rockhounding
Bird and wildlife watching in the hills away from the dunes
Riding Areas
Dumont "Little" Dunes: Ideal for families with smaller children and riders with novice to intermediate skills. This small dune field is connected to the main dune field by a corridor, allowing all types of off-road vehicles to access both areas legally.

Main Dune Field: Known as Dumont Dunes, this area features steep dunes with sharp razorbacks and deep witches' eyes, suited for experienced riders. Always do a check ride to spot changes in the dune field before attempting high-speed runs.

Sperry Wash Route: This open “limited use” route travels up the Amargosa River to Sperry Wash, offering a challenging ride over rocky and rutted terrain for novice to intermediate riders. Straying from the marked route is prohibited.

Restrictions and Safety

The Kingston Range Wilderness borders the riding area to the north and is closed to motor vehicles. Travel outside the riding area to the south and east is only permitted on designated routes with street-legal vehicles. Extreme temperatures and limited emergency help are common, so always be prepared. Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a great spot for adventure seekers looking to explore unique sand dunes and test their riding skills in a diverse and challenging environment.