As the summer heat fades and the desert winds begin to cool, the familiar sound of engines returns to Dumont Dunes. Riders from across the Southwest are tuning up for another off-highway vehicle (OHV) season at this vast 7,620-acre sand dune system, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Located about 40 miles north of Baker on Highway 127, Dumont is known for its steep climbs, rolling bowls, and wide-open flats. The terrain is constantly shifting, reshaped by the wind with each passing season.
It’s a primitive recreation site—meaning there are no hookups, no trash collection, and only a few vault toilets—so visitors are encouraged to come prepared. Bring plenty of water, earplugs, and trash bags, and remember the desert’s golden rule: pack it in, pack it out.
For safety and law enforcement, riders can contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch at (760) 956-5001, which patrols the dunes throughout the season.
Halloween Weekend Kicks Off the Season
The official start of the Dumont season traditionally begins with Halloween weekend, when thousands of campers, riders, and families converge on the dunes for several days of riding, bonfires, and desert camaraderie.
This year, Pete’s Smoked Meats food truck is set to serve up barbecue favorites from Thursday, October 30 through Saturday, November 1, alongside a community Trunk or Treat and dirt bike ride scheduled for Saturday, November 1.
Veteran rider Sean Stewart, active in the Dumont Dunes Facebook group, recalled the crowds of earlier seasons:
“I did a day trip on the Friday of the Halloween weekend several years ago, back before the paved road. It took me over an hour to get to the highway because there were so many people coming in. The rangers doubled up the entrance road to prevent backup on the highway, which it still was. I had to drive through the desert along the road with my flatbed, which was not fun. Aside from that, I love doing day trips—get there early and leave late.”
Merch and Culture
For many, the start of OHV season isn’t official until Desert Bling, the longtime Dumont Dunes merchandise company, drops its new line of seasonal gear. Fresh designs are expected to appear on DesertBling.com in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Merchandise sales are part of the culture that defines Dumont—alongside a shared sense of adventure and responsibility. Whether you’ve been coming for decades or are visiting for the first time, the dunes’ appeal lies in both the thrill of the ride and respect for the land.
Passes and Permits
Season passes for Dumont Dunes go on sale mid-October through Recreation.gov. Options include:
| Pass Type | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Pass (includes holiday weeks) | Full season including holidays | $110 |
| Seasonal Pass (no holidays) | Excludes holiday weeks | $80 |
| Weekly Pass | Valid for 7 days | $27.50 |
Non-resident riders should note that passes are not sold at the dunes and must be purchased online in advance.
Holiday weeks for 2024–2025 include:
- Halloween: Oct. 23–29, 2024
- Thanksgiving: Nov. 26–Dec. 2, 2024
- New Year’s: Dec. 26, 2024–Jan. 1, 2025
- MLK Jr. Day: Jan. 15–21, 2025
- Presidents’ Day: Feb. 12–18, 2025
Camping and Safety
Camping is permitted on the Dumont “flats” for up to 14 consecutive days, and while the open space is ideal for large gatherings, visitors must plan ahead.
Fires are allowed only with a valid campfire permit, available online at PreventWildfireCA.org. Restrictions may apply during peak fire season, typically from May through October.
Important reminders:
- Helmets are required for all operators and passengers of UTVs and ROVs under 1000cc.
- Whip flags must be red or orange, at least six by twelve inches, and extend eight feet above the ground.
- Glass containers, fireworks, and hazardous burning materials are prohibited.
- Pets must be leashed.
- Firewood with nails or metal hardware is not allowed in any Barstow-area OHV site.
- Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal.
Dumont also offers access to the Sperry Wash Trail and routes through the Kingston Range, part of a limited-use area where vehicles must stay on designated trails.
Stop in Tecopa
For those traveling along Old Spanish Trail, the small desert town of Tecopa makes a worthwhile stop just 30 minutes north of the dunes.
The town offers a water kiosk for refilling jugs, a handful of eateries, and the chance to unwind with a soak in the area’s hot springs before or after a dusty weekend at the dunes.
Tecopa’s mix of desert hospitality and geothermal pools has long made it a favorite side trip for riders looking to rinse off the sand and stretch their stay in the Mojave.
Desert Responsibility
Dumont is one of the few remaining large-scale OHV playgrounds in the Mojave where riders can still camp freely and explore miles of open terrain. With that freedom comes a shared duty to preserve the landscape.
Visitors are urged to secure trash, respect quiet hours, and leave the dunes as they found them. The success of every season—both for riders and for the fragile desert environment—depends on each person’s care and courtesy.
For more information:
Visit BLM.gov/DumontDunes or contact the BLM Barstow Field Office for the latest updates on passes, access, and safety regulations.
Photo by Jimmy Lynn via Facebook
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