SAND DUNES
Welcome to Imperial County's own "Sahara Desert." All the locations featured below are part of the Algodones Sand Dunes, A.K.A. the Imperial Sand Dunes. This massive body of sand is approximately 40 miles in length and up to 6 miles in width. The whole range lies in California, and is regulated by the El Centro Field office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with the exception of a small portion, which is privately owned.
The ICFC handles requests and screening for the BLM office, as it pertains to filming on Public Lands. We also are the designated permit liaison for the private lands, and issue these permits directly from our office.
Let me assure you, none of the areas shown below are affected by the recent closures. Follow the links for a detailed description of what is happening and a map of the closed areas.
| OSBORN OVERLOOK is the hottest spot for filming in Imperial County. It is located right off State Highway 78. This area requires a BLM permit, and has an existing Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) so it is easily permitted for low impact filming. This location offers ample space to set up base camp, with plenty of parking for your vehicles. | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
GECKO RD is also a popular spot for filming. Located just 3 miles from Osborn Overlook, you get an entirely different vantage point. This area is also right off of State Highway 78, and and has an existing (EA.) If your shot calls for flat in the foreground and dunes in the nearby background, then Gecko is your place to shoot. This location offers ample space to set up base camp, with plenty of parking for your vehicles. |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| BUTTERCUP VALLEY is located just off Interstate 8. This area has also been utilized frequently for filming, and has an existing (EA.) With credits such as "Stargate" and "In the Army Now" you can get a feel for the vastness of the Imperial Sand Dunes. This area is also regulated by the BLM and requires said permit. This location offers ample space to setup base camp, with plenty of parking for your vehicles. | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
