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| Home > Nevada > Amargosa |
Amargosa Dunes
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
| Other Names | Big Dune, Amargosa Valley |
| Last Known Status | Open |
If you live near Las Vegas and want to catch some big air or just cruise through the bushes over some rolling dunes, you would probably enjoy this place. The crushed grains of quartz and feldspar rock make these dunes firm and easier to navigate without a paddle tire. With lots of small washes and large areas of dispersed vegetation surrounding the area, it's kind of a fun place to set up camp, carve out a little sand track for the kids, let the dog run, and maybe kick back for a BBQ.
The crowds are small (or none) compared to the well known meccas of California like Dumont or Glamis. This place is much smaller, and more similar in size to Sand Mountain in northern Nevada, but without the crowds and fewer regulations. The mountain views are really great, especially from the top of the dunes, and the access road is flat and easy. Bring your own shade and water.
Note: This sand is pretty firm compared to beach sand, but for people who have never ridden dunes before, you should be aware that any type of sand requires a lot of horsepower and can easily overheat your dirt bike or ATV. At areas like this people will often use something like a Sand Snake for motorcycles, or Sedona Cyclones for ATVs.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | NVOHV sticker required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Nevada registration is not required if the vehicle is already registered in another state and will be located in Nevada for no more than 15 days. |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | Whip Flags Recommended For Safety |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
 Camping | No Restriction | (camp anywhere) |
 Campfires | No Restriction | |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Permitted | |
| Alcohol | No Restriction | |
| Rule Enforcement | None |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 3,200 acres (5 sq mi) | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 2500 to 2500 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Not Marked, Not Rated, Not Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack | None | |
| Sand |  All | paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust |  Little | |
| Rocks | None | |
| Trees | None | |
| Steep Hills | All | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps |  Some | |
| Large Jumps |  Many | |
| Berms |  Few | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | None | |
| Intersections | All | |
| Rider Traffic | Many | popular on weekends |
| Shade | None | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | None | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) Beware of cliffs. high rider traffic, some sand dunes have sharp dropoffs |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur |  Mostly | |
 Expert | Some | |
| Comment | nice dunes, firm sand - can get by with new knobby tires - paddle
tire not needed. | |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Off-Road Dunes |
| Land | BLM |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 20-30 Miles (NW) | Death Valley Nut & Candy Company/Eddie World Gasoline (775) 553-2100 |
| Diesel | 20-30 Miles (NW) | Death Valley Nut & Candy Company/Eddie World Gasoline (775) 553-2100 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (E) | potable water Fort Amargosa RV Park (775) 372-1177 |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (E) | Fort Amargosa RV Park (775) 372-1177 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (E) | Fort Amargosa RV Park (775) 372-1177 |
| Campground | On Site | primitive camping, no services |
 Conv Store | 20-30 Miles (NW) | Death Valley Nut & Candy Company/Eddie World Gasoline (775) 553-2100 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
| Comment | free/no services |
RATINGS
| Pros | firm sand, paddle tire not required, large areas, good scenery
variety, open spaces,plenty room to camp & get away from other campers |
| Cons | no services, no shade, dry & dusty |
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Amargosa, NV | ||
| Address | Valley View Road, Amargosa Valley, NV 89020 | ||
| From: Reno, NV
1) Take I-80 E to Alt 50 South 2) Take Alt 50 South to 95 South 3) Take 95 South past Beatty 4) 21 miles south of Beatty turn right (south) on Valley View Blvd. (gps coords of turn: N36.40.777 W116.32.501) 5) Follow Valley View Blvd. south about 2 miles 6) Entrance is dirt road on the right (west) (go past the ranch fence and turn right). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | BLM - Southern Nevada District Office 4701 North Torrey Pines Las Vegas, NV 89130 (702) 515-5000 lvfoweb@blm.gov blm_nv_sndo_web_mail@blm.gov www.blm.gov |
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
This photo was taken in 2004 when the main entrance was marked with a spray painted arrow. We recently received a message that the arrow no longer exists and there is section of ranch fence at this point. Just veer right past the fence to get to the dunes.
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Bring shade and water as there are no services.
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
The sand is mostly firm at the base of the dunes.
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
You can catch some big air out here.
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
The dunes can be very tall!
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Vegetation is sparse and mainly consists of scrub bush.
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
Amargosa Dune Area Photo
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS