Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Free Day-Use Sand Dunes Near the Mexican Border — 343 Acres of ATV and Dune Buggy Riding, Beginner Practice Area, Shade Ramadas, Imperial County CA
Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is a state vehicular recreation area at 1610 E. Heber Road, Holtville, Imperial County, California, approximately 3 miles north of the Mexican border at Calexico. The area features 343 acres of creosote-studded sand dunes, fine sand dunes, and hard-packed dry lake beds for ATV, dune buggy, motorcycle, and UTV riding, a beginner’s practice area, shade ramadas with BBQ pits and picnic tables, restrooms and coin-operated showers, free admission, and day-use only operation.
Heber Dunes is California’s most accessible dune riding — free admission and no registration required for UTVs under 50cc make it an ideal entry point for beginners. The beginner practice area provides a safe environment to learn dune riding before tackling the larger formations.
The 343-acre mix of creosote-studded dunes, fine sand formations, and hard-packed clay lake beds offers varied terrain for all skill levels and vehicle types.
Things to Do
- ATV riding — sand dunes and lake beds
- Dune buggies — fine sand formations
- Motorcycles — varied terrain
- Beginner area — dedicated practice zone
- Picnicking — shade ramadas with BBQ
Rules & Tips
- Day use only — no camping, exit before sunset
- Free admission — no entrance fees
- Whips/flags — required on ATVs
- No shooting — firearms/paintball prohibited
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1610 E. Heber Rd, Holtville, CA 92250 |
| Size | 343 acres — dunes + dry lake beds |
| Admission | Free |
| Hours | Day use only — gates lock at sunset |
| Facilities | Shade ramadas, BBQ, showers, restrooms |
| Managed By | CA State Parks — OHMVR Division |
| Coordinates | 32.7302° N, 115.3876° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Heber Dunes SVRA — 342 acres in the Imperial Valley near El Centro — preserves natural desert sand dunes for OHV recreation. The dunes — remnants of ancient Lake Cahuilla (a massive inland sea) — provide a smaller, less-crowded alternative to Glamis. Sidewinder rattlesnakes leave distinctive tracks. Kit foxes hunt at night. Burrowing owls nest in adjacent areas. Summer temperatures exceed 115°F.
Nearby Attractions
El Centro — 5 miles north — has the Imperial Valley. Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis) — 20 miles east — has massive sand dunes (the largest in North America). Salton Sea — 30 miles north — has surreal landscapes. Mexicali, Mexico — at the border. Anza-Borrego Desert SP — 50 miles northwest.
Is Heber Dunes SVRA free?
Yes — Heber Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in Imperial County, California, has free admission. The 343-acre day-use-only park features sand dunes and dry lake beds for ATV, dune buggy, motorcycle, and UTV riding, plus a beginner practice area. Facilities include shade ramadas with BBQ pits, restrooms, and coin-operated showers. Gates lock at sunset — no camping allowed. Located at 1610 E. Heber Road, Holtville.
Last updated: May 2026
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