Hike and Photograph the Imperial Sand Dunes

Brawley, California

Description

Make your own routeWalk in the steps of your favorite Star Wars charactersThe dunes cover a lot of ground on both sides of the highway, they are not hidden

Star Wars fan? Then welcome to the Dune Sea featured in Return of the Jedi. Actually walk in the steps of your favorite characters. Not a Star Wars fan? Doesn't matter because you will still feel as though you are in a galaxy far far away.

The Imperial Sand Dunes is located between Imperial County, Ca and Yuma, Az. There are areas designated for off-highway vehicles, as well as wilderness areas accessible only by foot or horseback. If you are looking for a great hike in the forever changing sand hills then you found it. You will feel as though you have been teleported to the Sahara Desert or Tatooine.

I warn you though, there will be extreme heat during summer months and you will be covered in layers of sand. You can camp overnight as well, so remember to check your camping list.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Scenic

Wildlife

Hike and Photograph the Imperial Sand Dunes Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore the Algodones Sand Dunes

The North Algodones Dunes Wilderness System offers 200 square miles of open dune wilderness to explore. You can do as little or as much as you want in this vast open space. Take a short hike, take lots of pictures, or make it an overnight camping trip in the desert.The dunes are located north of State Highway 78, from the east side of Coachella Canal to Glamis. You can park at the Orborne Looko...

Hike along the Buttercup Sand Dunes

I found these amazing dunes when traveling from Phoenix to San Diego. These are a nice break from the 5+ hour drive. They are very picturesque and nice to walk on. I would advise to avoid the summer as I would imagine it would be uncomfortably hot. When you are driving on the I-8 in either direction, you can take the Grey's Well Road exit to explore these dunes. Have fun and be safe, there are...

Explore the Mud Volcanoes of the Salton Sea

It should be noted that extreme caution should be practiced when going to the mud volcanoes. While the photographs above appear close, they were taken on a zoom lens from a safe distance. The ground here is soft and misleading. Collapses can occur, where you could be fatally scalded by the boiling pit underneath. Please observe the signs, and keep a safe distance. In the midst of the Inland Em...

Exploring the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is the largest lake in California, created when irrigation canals from the Colorado River broke. In the 50's and 60's the area saw a boom in resorts and recreation as new "beach front" property was available and attracted hordes of people. Those days are long gone and although the ultra saline sea is dwindling, the area has become somewhat of a wildlife haven for birds. The juxta...

Night Photography at the Salton Sea

Heading from the Los Angeles area, hop on the I-10 East, eventually keep righ to continue on CA-86 South signs for Brawley/El Centro/865 Expy, then a left on 195 East, then a right onto CA-111 South, shortly after you will be riding alongside the Salton Sea.You may want to arrive while there is still daylight to scope out the place. You may park your car along the side of the road or in one of ...

Off-Road through Split Mountain in Anza Borrego

For all you desert lovers- this is a must. Or for all you SD residents that want to try something new and take a break from the populated trails within the county- spend a day in Anza Borrego and include this on your list.This state park is just a quick jaunt outside of the town of Julian. This means that it is still within a day’s drive and you can also include a stop at Julian as well.Split M...