Last Updated on August 24, 2023
Arizona and the southwest are home to some of North America’s most suggestive deserts and sand dunes, most of which are filled with iconic Saguaro cacti and unique wildlife.
Notable Sand Dunes in Arizona include the Algodones Dunes (aka Imperial Sand Dunes), Ehrenberg Sandbowl Sand Dunes, Hot Well Dunes and Parker Dunes.
Below, a comprehensive list of sand dunes in Arizona.
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Sand Dunes of Arizona
Yuma Sand Dunes – Yuma
The Yuma Desert comprises the far southwestern corner of Arizona. It extends about 12 miles to the north and more than 40 miles along the international boundary.
The area extends onto the Imperial Sand Dunes or Los Algodones, a system of sand dunes located between the state of California and the Mexican province of Baja California, but they are only 17 miles west of Yuma and about a 3 hour drive east of Phoenix.
The dunes reach heights of up to 300 feet, making them perfect for high-speed runs and high jumps. Plus, the warm and sunny climate of the Yuma area means that you can enjoy sandboarding at this location year-round.
Ehrenberg Sandbowl – Ehrenberg
The hilly, sandy terrain of the Ehrenberg Sandbowl makes this site a popular place for off-highway vehicle use. The area is a starting point for visitors to explore a variety of designated roads and trails.
But off-highway vehicles aren’t the only attraction here. Ehrenberg Sandbowl is also a starting point for visitors to explore a variety of designated roads and trails, making it an ideal destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders as well.
Dispersed camping is available nearby. With so much to explore, you’re sure to find a new adventure every time you visit.
Hot Well Dunes – Safford
The sands at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area were a beach surrounding a lake approximately two million years ago.
What remains today is one of the most unique recreation spots in Arizona.
Hot Well Dunes provides the opportunity to ride 2,000 acres of sand dunes, set up a camp, and then soak in relaxing hot tubs, all in the same location.
Parker Dunes – Cactus Plain, Parker
Desert wilderness with small sand hills and dunes ranging from 30 to 120 feet, many of which are covered by vegetation and unsuitable for sandboarding.
The lack of trails further makes this location hard to access for most people who are not experienced hikers.
Recreation activities include backpacking, day hiking, sightseeing, horseback riding, and botanical and wildlife study.
The Copper Basin Dunes OHV area is dedicated to dune riding with registered off-road vehicles on designated routes.
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