Got sand? Imperial dunes season opens soon

Sand rail and dune buggy enthusiasts--start  your engines!

Yep, the official start of the Imperial Sand Dunes recreation season is less than a month away. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will open Cahuilla and Buttercup ranger stations in the north and south end of the dunes on October 12.

Not familiar with the dunes? Drive west from Yuma, Arizona on into California. You'll soon find yourself in a large erg or sand dune field on the border with Mexico. The entire dune system is huge--nearly 45 miles by six miles. While some of this erg is a wilderness area, other chunks are dedicated to recreational activities--including bombing along at high speeds in specialized sand vehicles. Thousands come to charge around in the dunes each year.

The BLM reminds "duners" that permits are still required to recreate. Want a break on permit fees? Fees for permits sold on-site are $120 for a season or $40 for a week, you can get the same passes for just $90 and $25 on-line at www.imperialsanddunes.net.

photos: wikipeida commons (top); BLM, Jim Shepard (right)