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Photo: ISS Crew Earth Observations experiment and the Image Science & Analysis Group, Johnson Space Center. Image cleaned up by NASA Earth Observatory, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Drawing hundreds of thousands of people annually, this site is mainly for off-road driving.
The Algodones Dunes is a large sand dune field, or erg, located in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of California, near the border with Arizona and the Mexican state of Baja California. The field is approximately 45 miles (72 km) long by 6 miles (9.7 km) wide and extends along a northwest–southeast line that correlates to the prevailing northerly and westerly wind directions. The name "Algodones Dunes" refers to the entire geographic feature, while the administrative designation for that portion managed by the Bureau of Land Management is the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. In 1966, Imperial Sand Hills was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. The Algodones Dunes are split into many different sections. These sections include Glamis, Gordon's Well, Buttercup, Midway, and Patton's Valley. Although the Arabic-derived Spanish word algodones translates to "cotton plants", the origin of the toponym is unknown.
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Sand, sand, sand!
Imperial Valley Expo Fairgrounds
Usually held in late February or March. There are other events during other times of the year.
Central Union High School (home games)
The Central Union High School Spartans have periodically been among the best high school football teams in the state. Their high school band is one of the best in the nation. The local high school football season is from August to October.
The best local tennis players convene Saturday mornings at the Southwest High School Tennis Courts. Play is social yet competitive and typically starts between 7 and 8AM. Several of the older players hold national rankings.