25 Best Sand Dunes In The US For Off-Road Thrills
If you love the roar of an engine and the feeling of sand flying beneath your tires, you’re in the right place.
The US is home to some of the best off-roading playgrounds in the world. Here, dunes and sand hills create the ultimate terrain for ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and dune buggies.
Some dunes are soft and rolling, perfect for fast-paced riding, while others are steep and rugged, demanding skill and guts. No matter your riding style, there’s a dune out there waiting for you to conquer it.
Rev that engine, and get ready to kick up some serious sand!
1. Imperial Sand Dunes, California
If there’s one place every off-roader needs to hit, it’s Imperial Sand Dunes! You may know it as Glamis, too. These massive dunes stretch for over 40 miles, offering some of the best dune-riding terrain in the country.
With rolling sand hills, sharp ridges, and plenty of wide-open space, it’s a playground for dirt bikes, UTVs, and dune buggies alike.
Best time to ride? Winter and early spring when the temps are cooler, and the dunes are packed with fellow thrill-seekers. If you want full-throttle action, plan a trip during major events like Camp RZR or the Thanksgiving weekend ride-out.
2. Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Michigan
Want to mix off-roading with a beachside vibe? Silver Lake Sand Dunes delivers both.
This spot lets you rip through the soft dunes by day and cool off in the lake when you’re done. The terrain ranges from gentle slopes to steep drop-offs, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels.
The ORV area is well-managed, with designated spaces for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders, so you can send it hard or take it easy. Just make sure your vehicle has the required ORV sticker before you hit the sand.
3. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon
This isn’t just any dune system—it’s the largest coastal sand dunes in North America. Stretching for 40 miles along the Oregon coast, this area has some of the most diverse off-roading terrain you’ll find. Expect massive dunes, dense tree-lined trails, and wide-open beach rides all in one place.
With multiple access points like Spinreel, Winchester Bay, and Florence, there’s no shortage of routes to explore. Plus, riding with ocean views in the background? Hard to beat.
4. Little Sahara Sand Dunes, Utah
For off-roaders, Little Sahara is pure gold. With over 60,000 acres of sand to shred, you’ll find everything from smooth dunes for high-speed runs to sharp ridges that test your control.
The legendary Sand Mountain stands at 700 feet, daring riders to conquer its steep incline.
Camping is big here! So bring your rig, set up camp, and ride from sunrise to sunset. If you want to go all out, visit during one of the major off-roading events, when the dunes turn into a full-on motorsports festival.
5. Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Utah
Utah knows how to do sand, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes is a prime example.
With deep, soft red-orange sand, this spot delivers a completely different riding experience compared to traditional golden dunes. The rolling terrain is perfect for fast rides, deep carving, and sending it over natural jumps.
The dunes shift constantly, meaning no two rides are ever the same. It’s less crowded than some of the bigger dune spots. Big adventure and no big crowds? Music to my ears!
6. St. Anthony Sand Dunes, Idaho
With some dunes reaching up to 400 feet, St. Anthony Sand Dunes is where off-roaders go big.
The sharp climbs and soft sand make it a paradise for dune buggies, UTVs, and dirt bikes, with plenty of open space to push your machine to its limits.
Summer temps can get brutal, so plan your trip for spring or fall when conditions are prime for all-day riding. Plus, the nearby Egin Lakes Campground makes for a great basecamp if you’re planning a weekend of nonstop action.
7. Bruneau Sand Dunes, Idaho
Unlike the ever-changing dunes of other spots, Bruneau Sand Dunes are permanent.
Do I hear predictable, rideable terrain all year long? Oh, yeah!
The tallest dune here stands at 470 feet, making for some intense climbs and fast descents.
Riding here is not as fast-paced as St. Anthony, but if you’re looking for a laid-back ride with solid terrain, this spot is worth checking out.
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
The tallest dunes in North America? Yes, please.
Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to 750-foot peaks that make for an insane ride. However, off-roading is only allowed in designated areas, so check the rules before heading out.
Even if you can’t ride everywhere, it’s worth the trip for the unreal scenery, challenging terrain, and bragging rights of conquering the highest dunes in the country.
9. Killpecker Sand Dunes, Wyoming
Want a unique dune-riding experience? Killpecker Sand Dunes is known for its “singing sands,” where the wind creates a low humming sound as it moves through the dunes.
But let’s be real! The sound of your engine will probably drown that out.
The riding here is smooth, fast, and wide open, making it perfect for those who love big, sweeping dunes with plenty of room to ride hard.
10. Sand Hollow State Park, Utah
Bright red dunes, crystal-clear water, and killer off-roading—that’s Sand Hollow.
This spot is perfect if you want to mix high-speed riding with a little lakeside relaxation.
The terrain is a mix of soft sand, rock crawling sections, and massive dunes, making it one of the most versatile off-roading destinations in Utah.
11. Superstition Mountains, California
Towering over the desert like something out of an old Western, the Superstition Mountains are home to some of the most demanding off-roading in SoCal.
You won’t find massive dunes here, but what you do get is technical trails, steep hills, deep sand washes. More than a decent replacement, don’t you think?
For those who love to mix high-speed runs with rocky climbs, this place delivers. Plus, the views of the rugged mountains in the background? Absolutely unreal.
12. Dumont Dunes, California
Big. Steep. Insane. That’s Dumont Dunes in a nutshell.
These sky-high sand mountains rise out of the desert like giant waves, with some of the steepest climbs in California. The sand here is soft and deep, making for fast, challenging rides that’ll push your machine to its limits.
If you love ripping up massive hills and catching serious air, this is your playground. Just be prepared—there are no facilities out here, so bring everything you need for a full-throttle adventure.
13. Glamis Sand Dunes, California
You can’t talk about off-roading in the US without mentioning Glamis. This is the crown jewel of dune riding, a place where dirt bikes, UTVs, and dune buggies dominate the landscape.
With rolling dunes, sharp ridges, and endless open sand, Glamis is all about speed, power, and non-stop action.
Every off-roader needs to experience Camp RZR! It’s a place where thousands of riders gather for one of the wildest dune events of the year. If you haven’t hit Glamis yet, what are you waiting for?
14. Moses Lake Sand Dunes, Washington
Most people don’t think of Washington when they picture sand dunes, but Moses Lake is here to change that.
This 3,000-acre playground offers soft dunes, fast-packed sand trails and flat-out sprint sections.
The best part? It’s right next to Moses Lake, meaning you can ride all day. After that, feel free to cool off with a swim when you’re done. The combo of dunes and water makes this one of the most unique riding spots in the Northwest.
15. Amargosa Sand Dunes, Nevada
If you like a more secluded off-roading experience, Amargosa Dunes is a hidden gem.
To find it go to the middle of nowhere! I’m kidding, it’s in Nevada.
These remote dunes are perfect for high-speed runs and sand surfing without the crowds.
The dunes here are big, steep, and constantly shifting, so every ride is completely different. Bring extra gas and supplies—you won’t find any services nearby, just endless adventure.
16. Buttercup Valley Sand Dunes, Arizona
Think of Buttercup Dunes as Glamis’ quieter cousin.
Just over the Arizona border, this spot offers huge dunes, wide-open spaces, and plenty of steep climbs, but with way fewer crowds.
It’s a great place for beginners to get their wheels dirty before tackling Glamis’ more intense terrain. Plus, movie buffs might recognize it—parts of Star Wars were filmed here!
17. Cinder Hills OHV Area, Arizona
Riding on volcanic ash? That’s exactly what you get at Cinder Hills OHV Area.
This off-road wonderland sits on an old volcanic field, offering dark, powdery sand dunes and steep, black hills that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The riding here is fast and loose, with tons of open space to test your speed and handling. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking for something totally different.
18. Sand Mountain Recreation Area, Nevada
If you like huge dunes, Sand Mountain is calling your name.
This 600-foot-tall dune is a mecca for off-roaders, offering big climbs, wide-open bowls, and soft sand that’s perfect for carving.
With a dedicated OHV area and plenty of camping, this is a go-big-or-go-home kind of spot. If you love sending it up steep dunes and racing down at top speed, you’ll never want to leave.
19. Coronado National Forest, Arizona
Off-roading meets mountain views and desert terrain at Coronado National Forest.
This isn’t just about sand dunes! There’s so much more in store here. Choose between rocky trails, deep washes, and technical off-road routes.
For those who love mixing fast dunes with rugged trails, this is the ultimate off-roading challenge.
20. Johnson Valley OHV Area, California
Home of the legendary King of the Hammers, Johnson Valley is where off-roading legends are made.
This massive OHV area offers a mix of sand dunes, dry lakebeds, and brutal rock-crawling routes.
It’s the perfect spot if you want to push your vehicle to the limit. Riding on two wheels or four wheels? Both can come!
21. Ocotillo Wells SVRA, California
If you’re seeking an off-roading variety, Ocotillo Wells has it all.
Ready to conquer vast sand dunes, twisting washes, rocky trails, and steep hills? I’m sure you’re sitting on the edge of your seat!
The best part? It’s completely open riding—no designated trails, no restrictions, just miles of sand and desert waiting to be explored.
It’s huge, rugged, and completely open for off-roading, making it a dream destination for thrill-seekers.
22. Ridgecrest Dunes, California
Craving an off-road adventure with endless space to ride? Welcome to Ridgecrest Dunes, where the sand is soft, the trails are wild, and the throttle is always open.
It’s one of California’s best-kept off-roading secrets! Ridgecrest Dunes delivers fast dunes, open desert, and technical rock trails in one package. The terrain here is perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re looking for smooth sand or challenging climbs.
23. Spangler Hills, California
For those who love wide-open desert riding, Spangler Hills is an off-road dream.
The sand dunes here are not as tall as Glamis, but the fast trails and deep sand washes make for nonstop action.Here, the riding never gets old.
Camping is easy, and the variety of terrain keeps things exciting all day long. No permits, no fences—just pure, unrestricted off-roading.
24. Glamis North Hot Springs Resort, California
Dunes + hot springs = the ultimate off-road getaway.
Glamis North lets you hit the dunes hard during the day and then relax in natural hot springs at night.
If you want the full desert experience with a little extra comfort, this is the place to be.
25. Syracuse Sand Dunes Park, Kansas
Think Kansas is all flat plains? Think again!
You wouldn’t expect it, but Kansas has its own off-road paradise. Syracuse Sand Dunes Park features sand tracks, big bowls, and rolling dunes, making it one of the best Midwest riding spots.
With designated camping areas, riding access 24/7, and no crowds to slow you down, Syracuse Sand Dunes Park is a must-ride destination for anyone looking to send it in the heart of Kansas.