Weekend city in the desert: Imperial Sand Dunes

When Thursday afternoon rolls around, a cloud of dust forms and hangs over the Imperial Dunes Recreation Area until the final ATV shuts down and the last toy hauler rumbles back onto the highway. It's dune season and it's all about big toys, big engines and big fun.

"Everything I own has something to do with going out to the Imperial Dunes," said Delmar Foote, an avid duner and owner of KD Cycle. "I go out there two weeks before Halloween and I don't come back until after Easter."

Each winter, the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA), located just west of Yuma, is transformed from a 40-mile desolate stretch of sandy hills into a minicity packed with tens of thousands of people like Foote, vendors and every imaginable vehicle.

"All sorts of contraptions are out there," said Johnny Mollindo, sales manager at Yuma based Wild West Motorsports. "If it can move, you'll see it out there along with traditional ATVs, motorbikes, sand rails and dune buggies."

The off-highway vehicle (OHV) season begins as early as Labor Day with devoted duners braving the high summer temps, but most wait for cooler weather to set in before filling their tanks and setting up their sand-based home away from home.

Foote and his family have been enjoying the dunes for more than three decades and look forward to not only the adrenaline and whine of engines, but also other aspects of the dunes.

"The tranquility is the draw and for years my family and friends have been experiencing all that the dunes has to offer," said Foote. "There's nothing better than sitting out there and enjoying the sunrises."

Unfortunately the serenity in the dunes can be marred by accidents, sometimes serious. Experienced users agree that being aware of your surroundings greatly reduces the potential for trouble.

"You put yourself in the wrong circumstances and it can be dangerous," said Jeff Wilson, Wild West Motorsports owner. "We always advise taking a safety class and really getting to know the landscape out there."

"You have to know where you are going and make smart decisions," added Mollindo. "Wearing the proper gear and having safety equipment will guarantee a safe and exciting time in the dunes."

With 1.2 million visitors a year, the ISDRA is a popular spot to bring quads and the like. Duning has also drawn criticism and not everyone sees eye to eye on the best way to utilize this natural marvel.

Environmental groups have long fought for more restrictions on dune use and as a result of a lawsuit in 2000 and subsequent court cases, the temporary closures remain in effect, pending court approval of BLM's new management plan. In some cases, like the 26,000-acre North Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, OHV use is completely banned.

Wilson encourages novice and advanced riders to pay attention to signs marking the different closures and enjoy the distinct terrain the dunes has to offer.

"It's beautiful out there," said Wilson. "There's plenty of space to ride and there's really nothing is like it in the world."

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DUNES TRIP

What to bring to the dunes:

- Water

- Cell phone

- Map

- Whistle

- Lighter/matches

- Basic First Aid kit

What to wear:

- Long pants

- Long-sleeve shirt

- Over the ankle boots

- Helmet

- Goggles

- Gloves

Quick tips and rules:

- Always ride with a buddy

- Know the terrain

- One permit is required per primary vehicle

- Season permit: $90 valid from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30

- Weekly permit: $25 valid for seven consecutive days upon entry

- Safety flags are required on all vehicles, including two-wheeled motorcycles

- No glass beverage containers

- No alcoholic beverages while riding on BLM lands

For detailed information, rules and regulations visit: the Bureau of Land Management Web site http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/elcentro/recreation/ohvs/isdra.html