Off-road or Sandboard Dumont Dunes OHV Area, California

Add to My List Check Off

Dumont Dunes is an area of the Mojave Desert containing large sand dunes, located approximately 31 miles north of Baker, California on California State Route 127. The Dumont Dunes Off -Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area, also referred to as an Open Area, is an exciting and remote area for OHV recreation. Bordered by steep volcanic hills and the slow running Amargosa River, the region is easily recognized from a distance by its distinctive sand dunes. Although small in area, the dune system reaches over 400 feet above the surrounding desert floor and contains virtually every type of common active sand dune. Three neighboring sand dune systems are the Valjean Dunes to the east, Little Dumont Dunes to the west and Ibex Dunes located within Death Valley National Park. A favorite location among OHV enthusiasts, the dunes also offer fabulous scenery and opportunities for solitude. The vegetation here consists of creosote scrub, some annual grasses, and wildflowers in the spring. The area is hot and arid, with summer high temperatures ranging from 100 to 120 degrees F. Winter low temperatures may drop below freezing with highs in the 70's. Typical of the desert, winds are frequent and strong, and humidity is generally low. Food, fuel and most necessities are available in Baker, Shoshone, and Pahrump, NV. Cellular phone service is intermittent at Dumont Dunes and is not reliable in all locations. Dumont Dunes are named after Harry Dumont of the Pacific Coast Borax Company that built the historic Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, to the east, which was in operation between 1905 and 1940. The vegetation here consists of creosote scrub, some annual grasses, and wildflowers in the spring. The low elevation in the area makes for warm to extremely hot conditions in spring and summer. Wildlife native to Dumont Dunes includes the Mojave fringe-toed lizard, which is under watch by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for possible listing as an endangered species. Such listing could result in restriction or suspension of recreational uses at Dumont Dunes. Every year on the last week of October thousands of people gather in Dumont Dunes to have an unforgivable Halloween celebration. Similar celebrations are held for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and another few weekends during the year.

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›