More of Southeast California

From the Salton Sea we took Highway 78 to the northeast to Blythe CA. We came across one of the most interesting sights, the Algodones Sand Dunes.

The name Algodones Dunes refers to the entire geographic feature, while the administrative designation for that portion managed by the Bureau of Land Management is the "Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area" (sometimes called the "Glamis Dunes"). As we drove through Brawley, we kept seeing signs for Glamis Passes. Once we got to this area, we understood what a Glamis Pass was and why it was needed.

See the line of white along the top of the sand on the left? That is RVs: toy haulers, motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers...thousands of them parked in the dunes area. It was unbelievable. There was a tent city erected with a repair shop for the ATVs, an adult beverage tent, a fueling station, and even a storage area for the RVs.

 The Algodones Sand Dunes are the largest mass of sand dunes in California. This dune system extends for more than 40 miles along the eastern edge of the Imperial Valley agricultural region in a band averaging 5 miles in width. The dune system is divided into 3 areas. The northern most area is known as Mammoth Wash. South of Mammoth Wash is the North Algodones Dunes Wilderness established by the 1994 California Desert Protection Act. This area is closed to motorized use and access is by hiking and horseback.

The largest and most heavily used area begins at Highway 78 and continues south just past Interstate 8. The expansive dune formations offer picturesque scenery, a chance to view rare plants and animals, and a playground for ATV and off-roading enthusiasts.

Neither of us were aware ATVs come in sedan models...adults in the front seats and their kids in the back, like the one in the foreground of this photo.

Curt talked to one lady who said many ATV enthusiasts have bought property in El Centro during the down-turned economy, so they are closer to the dunes and their weekend hobby.

 The dunes are also popular in film making and have been the site for movies such as Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.


After the sand dunes, we drove through another agricultural area irrigated by the Colorado River via the All-American Canal. We saw many fields of sugar beets, alfalfa, and some vegetables, an annual crop production of over $1 billion. Agriculture is the largest industry in the Imperial Valley and accounts for 48% of all employment. Imported water and a long growing season allow two crop cycles each year, and the Imperial Valley is a major source of winter fruits and vegetables, cotton, and grain.

 When we stopped to fuel, we were treated to a magnificent sunset.