First trip to the dunes

[azdunn]

We are thinking about making our first trip to the Dunes (2 adults and 1 14-year old) should we go to Glamis or is there another site that would be better for first timers?

Also - getting mixed messages on the need for paddles - do you really need them?

On another note - can someone recommend a good spot for riding and camping near Prescott?

250ES Honda
Raptor 80

[Grizzly1]

I just got back From Glamis, Geko Camp Grounds. and it was also my first Dune Trip. For Dirt Bikes, it is a Must, but if you can rent or are in a position to purchase Paddles then youll be Glad you did. Paddles Help alot when Trying to Climb Hills and dunes.
Be very Careful when riding over the tops of the Dunes, because 90% theres going to be a Bowl on the other side. It will take a lil bit to get used too but, It will be a blast. Remember To Wear a Helmet, and have Flags on the Quads. There kinda big on that at Glamis. at a local shop they sell for around 8 bucks at glamis sell for 15.

Sunglasses are a Recomendation, Gets Pretty Bright. But other than that, You will have the time of your life, wake up early and watch the sun Rise.

Happy Trails
Grizzly1

http://www.dow-mgc.org/Users/grizzly1/grizzsig.gif

[Arizona Griz]

This past spring was my first trip to the dunes. I actually made three trips in a 7 week period. I checked out Buttercup, Olgisby, Gordons Well and Glamis. I personally like the Olgisby and Gordons Well areas the best. Glamis had a lot of trashy (garbage) sand. Buttercup is nice too, but the sand bowls aren't as good as Gordons Well or Olgisby.
Arizona Griz.

"Just another day in paradise"

'03 Yamaha Raptor
'02 Yamaha Grizzly
'00 Polaris Trailboss
'98 Yamaha Big Bear 4WD

[AAA]

I go to Glamis and Buttercup with my DS and utility quads often. I run paddles on my DS650. I think and have seen that if the quad is not over 350cc's then paddles will just slow the engine down and bogg-it down all the time. 300EX's with paddles lose bad to one's without paddles. If you really want traction, try going sometime after it rains. We take our Recon to Glamis and it will go anywhere and keep up with anything (just takes a few tries more and a little bit more skill).

People will tell you that Buttercup is a family dunes and Glamis is more of a party dunes. I personally like Glamis with my family (4 younger sisters). We can camp at the far background (Gecko) and ride south away from the drags and comp. hill. It can get kind of crazy if you are @ the drags with all of the alcohol and gas! Buttercup dunes is more conjested and a little bit closer.

What kind of quads do you have?

'02 DS 650
'01 Honda Rancher
'01 Yamaha Wolverine
'97 Honda Recon
'00 Excursion Diesel 4x4
'02 Tahoe Transport RV

[ksand]

azdunn...I personally like the Ogilby area for camping with family. As far as riding, you have access to the same riding areas from either Ogilby or Gordon's Well. Ogilby is just a little more "remote" from a camping standpoint.

As far as whether or not Paddle Tires are required. My opinion is that they are NOT required. I rode my first time out there with no paddles and did just fine other than getting stuck a few times and not being able to climb some of the steeper hills. I rode bowls fine and never really got left behind. Paddles are certainly better...and if you plan on riding the dunes regularly...I would definitely get them. I wouldn't buy them now if you think that you might not go regularly.

KSand
02 400EX
01 400EX
01 Scrambler 500 2x4
01 250EX

And...one BIG trailer!

[Grizzly1]

Very Well Put. by all. Keep us posted on how your Trip goes.

[Nick_05]

"I think and have seen that if the quad is not over 350cc's then paddles will just slow the engine down and bogg-it down all the time. 300EX's with paddles lose bad to one's without paddles."

The only reason it will bog or slow down is because the paddles are to aggressive or to big, you have to find the right padle and size.

[ahsumtoy]

I live in Prescott and during this time of year we usually go to Camp Wood. Directions are below:
http://ridingarizona.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5600

As far as the questions about the dunes and the need for sand tires, here is my opinion. Since you have a Raptor 80 and a Honda 250es, I would not recommend sand tires. Most sand tires require a little more horse power than you have. Don't put out the bucks for them.

Now where to go. I've been to all the dune areas (Buttercup, Gordon Wells, Glamis, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Dumont, etc.) Glamis is usually packed with people, especially on the weekends. You get a lot of crazy's there getting drunk and causing problems sometimes. However, it is by far the largest area of sand. If you don't stay near the drags (Gecko Rd., Pad 1) or go to comp hill or olds hill, you'll stay away from all the crazy people. You can go all the way to the end of Gecko Rd. (by roadrunner campgrounds) and you'll have less people. Glamis has what we call witches eyes (holes in the sand) every now and then so be carefull when riding. As far as the amount of people going to any dunes currently, you'll probably not encounter that many. This is the off season for duning and quading the dunes. Why - temperature. It has been running about 100 in Phoenix, so it was getting very hot at Glamis or any of the other areas, other than coral pink. Coral pink is in S. Utah, is very beautiful but your 80 will have a hard time in the very fine sand. However, the temperature there is a lot less due to the elevation. My daughter had a 90 and she really got frustated there due to lack of power in the fine sand. She got stuck there too often. Thanks to Utah laws, you can double ride there. Buttercup and Gorden Wells are a lot like Glamis but smaller. They are all about 3-4 hours from Phoenix. Dumont dunes is my favorite. However it is farther away. From Prescott it is about 6 hours drive. It is by Baker Calif. and before Death Valley. There are no witches eyes there, the dunes have some very steep ridge backs but also has an area on the left of the dunes that are very small dunes for the not so experienced. There is also 2 places to camp. The first place is right up next to the dunes, and the other is below the dunes. We go below the dunes because most everybody camps next to the dunes. The kids can ride all around this area and have a ball without running into the duners. You can also get some sleep without hearing music or whatever to the way late hours of the night. There is also an area where you can go on a trail ride and pass through very shallow water (small river). There are usually a lot less crazy people there than Glamis. For me, the longer ride is worth it.

I almost forgot. You must have an attached flag for dune riding. It is too dangerous not to have one. It is the only way to see someone on the other side of the ridge coming at you. It's also the law. If your bikes are registered in AZ, all you need is the plate. They don't need to be licensed for the street.

Another rule I live by as far as going to the dunes. During prime season, I NEVER go to any of them during a holiday. Way toooooo many people. Thanksgiving is usually the first big one and sometimes labor day. I also try to go during the week rather than the weekend. That's when you get the virgin sand (smooth) rather than have your teeth come out due to so many people riding the dunes and carving them up.

[Bunk n Teri]

Agreed paddles are not a requirement for sand but drop your air pressure to about 2.5 psi. Makes a BIG difference.

There are many, many places to camp and ride 'round Prescott. You should join us this w/e at Camp Wood. Very nice. There is also Wolf Creek, Walker, Glen Oaks, Fair Oaks, Crown King, and more. All are fantastic.

Teri

[u]Wanna keep 'em? Keep ta the trails 'n keep 'em clean!</u>
Green 'n Red Honda 2x Ranchers... Tagged 'n Ready!!!

[duneDS650]

I'd recommend Glamis Flats. There are a lot of small dunes near where you camp. With a 250ES and a Raptor 80, you're not going to be riding the big bowls and hills. Since it will be HOT, it will not be very crowded.

Whiplash #388

[Shane1]

Get paddles, you'll be glad you did.....if not you'll be lifting and digging your bikes out all day.
It's a little warm to be hitting the dunes in my opinion.....100 degrees with the sun pounding of the light colored sand will make for a pretty rough trip.

Shane

1986 250R Wheeler
2003 Raptor

[Grizzly1]

Sum toy and a few other have a good point. for such small bikes, paddles wouldnt do and justice. just drop the tire pressure down very low and youll have no Problems. When I was out there, I saw mini 400exs, mini Raptors ( lil kids Bikes) Drag racing each other with out a prob with knobbies.
Lets us know how your trip was

[FLY-N-HIGHER]

"I'd recommend Glamis Flats. There are a lot of small dunes near where you camp. With a 250ES and a Raptor 80, you're not going to be riding the big bowls and hills. Since it will be HOT, it will not be very crowded."
I'm with you on this, but I would like to add it is going to be blazing HOT!!! Water is going to be more valuable than gass.

Bring It