Description
This trip is scheduled on a requested basis. You need to contact us to determine dates and availability.
Driving on sand is challenging, so we’ll progress slowly as you learn the proper techniques. Your confidence grows as you master increasingly more challenging dunes. Along the way you will be exposed to the beauty of the Ocean beach and the thrill of the windswept dunes. And you’ll conquer your fear of driving in sand. We will practice on some low dunes and begin to build confidence. Later, we will find a place to have our picnic lunch and relax. Driving in the sand can be intense! In the afternoon, we build up to some of the taller dunes. This is a rare opportunity to cruise the only beach in California open to vehicles. Cell phones work throughout most of the dunes and medical and emergency services are available in 20 -30 minutes. Your guide has a satellite phone for emergencies and is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Sand Dunes & Beach Driving Itinerary:
Day 1 Orientation
Fly into LAX. We will pick you up and transport you to your hotel. You can complete the vehicle rental agreement and any other paperwork. There will be a vehicle introduction and briefing. You can purchase dinner at the hotel or at a nearby restaurant.
Day 2 Sand Dunes
Departure is 5:30AM with a quick stop for coffee and rolls on the way. The first part of our trip is about 3 hour on Highways. Once we are on the sand, we set up our base camp and then spend the morning learning how to drive on sand and dunes. Lunch will be on top of a dune as we watch the ocean. The Dunes have quite soft sand compared to a wash. We will review safety requirements, driving techniques and vehicle recovery. There is always the possibility that we will need to recover some other vehicle. We will camp right on the beach.
Day 3 More Sand Dunes
After breakfast, we will spend the morning driving the dunes. Then we will break camp and head back to LA with a stop at a restaurant along the way for dinner. Another long day! We might not arrive at the hotel until late.
Day 4 Fly Home
Fly out from LAX. Catch up on sleep.
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather and unforeseen events such as wildfires, mud slides, Interstate highway closures and Park closures. This includes changes to routes and departure / arrival times when circumstances or conditions warrant. This trip is operated rain or shine. Pre registration and payment is required. Drivers will need a valid driver’s license. Drivers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Driver and passenger must be able to climb into a SUV type vehicle. Each person will be required to sign a waiver of liability and complete a brief medical information form. At times the only toilet available is the primitive equipment we bring with us.
Price Includes:
Pick up at LAX airport; Professional 4-wheel drive instruction and guided trip; use of a 4-wheel drive vehicle (maximum of 2 people per vehicle), gasoline, all camping equipment (Tent, sleeping bag, pad, camp and chair); meals as noted on the daily itinerary; Cooler, soda, water and ice, cooking gear; group first-aid kit, campsite and permit fees.
Not Included:
Transportation to and from your hometown to LAX; insurance of any kind; Hotels; restaurant meals; alcoholic beverages (No alcohol will be consumed during our driving period not even with lunch. There will be time around the campfire to enjoy whatever you bring. Note no glass containers are allowed); additional snacks you want; guide gratuities; and items of a personal nature.
Bring clothing for a wide range of weather. A flashlight or headlamp, hat and sunscreen is recommended.
Difficulty:
The 4-wheel drive challenge is rated as moderate 3-4 (of 10) but may feel more challenging for those who are less experienced. Your guide will assist with instruction, coaching and spotting to help you through. The trip ranges in elevation from several hundred feet below sea level to 6,000 feet. Participants need to assess their health situation. While this is a vehicle dependent trip, definitive medical care can be more than several hours away.
Weather:
Daytime temperatures usually range between 55° – 80° F but can sometimes drop lower. Evening temperatures typically drop into the 40° – 50° F range but can drop into the 30’s depending on the season.
Click here for the Cancellation and Alcohol Policy
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