Samalayuca Dunes
Vast golden sand dunes in Chihuahua, Mexico, offering surreal landscapes, thrilling sandboarding, off-roading, and incredible stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy golden hour
Samalayuca Dunes
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy golden hour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast golden sand dunes in Chihuahua, Mexico, offering surreal landscapes, thrilling sandboarding, off-roading, and incredible stargazing.
"The dunes resemble a place out of this world, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature."
🚗 Navigate with Care
Signs are minimal; use GPS and be prepared for unpaved roads. Many visitors find the turn-off from the highway after about 20 minutes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The desert sun is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast Sand Dunes
Chihuahua Desert
Expansive golden sand dunes stretching like frozen waves, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape.
Sandboarding Adventures
Various dune slopes
Experience the thrill of sliding down sandy slopes on a board, a popular activity for all ages.
Off-Roading Paradise
Designated dune areas
Explore the sandy terrain with ATVs, RZRs, and 4x4 vehicles for an adrenaline-pumping ride.
Stargazing Opportunities
Remote dune areas
Witness breathtaking night skies away from city lights, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Sands
Embrace the Desert Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Navigate with Care
Signs are minimal; use GPS and be prepared for unpaved roads. Many visitors find the turn-off from the highway after about 20 minutes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The desert sun is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
🏂 Rent Sandboards
Boards can be rented for about 100 pesos per hour, offering a fun way to experience the dunes.
🚗 Vehicle Etiquette
Be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles. Some visitors suggest walking away from crowded areas for a more peaceful experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Navigate with Care
Signs are minimal; use GPS and be prepared for unpaved roads. Many visitors find the turn-off from the highway after about 20 minutes.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The desert sun is intense. Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
🏂 Rent Sandboards
Boards can be rented for about 100 pesos per hour, offering a fun way to experience the dunes.
🚗 Vehicle Etiquette
Be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles. Some visitors suggest walking away from crowded areas for a more peaceful experience.
🌌 Embrace the Night
The dunes are a fantastic spot for stargazing due to low light pollution. Consider camping for a full experience.
🛏️ Glamping Options
For a unique stay, consider glamping experiences like NiFu NiFa Samalayuca.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Samalayuca Dunes for their otherworldly beauty and the serene, quiet environment. The opportunities for adventure, like sandboarding and off-roading, are major highlights. However, some find the access challenging due to poor signage and express frustration with the behavior of some vehicle operators, suggesting a need for better organization.
"Difficult to reach this place since there is no sign from the highway. But if you make the right turn, you can reach to the dune in about 20 minute drive from the highway.
Surrounded by sand, the environment is very quiet and many people are relaxing enjoying the nature. Sound is absorbed by the sand is very quiet."
Atsushi Sakai
"The dunes resemble a place out of this world. You can see road runners on the road that ends up in the dunes. Apparently, it had rained early in the morning, since we could see the little pock marks of the raindrops in the sand."
Frank Marchan
"Sand dunes near the US border. There are many vehicles on the dunes. You just have to walk away from them and find your spots to enjoy the dunes."
Sutharee Na
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Samalayuca Dunes are located about 20 minutes from the highway after turning off from Ciudad Juárez. Be aware that signage is minimal, so using GPS is recommended. The final stretch to the dunes may involve unpaved roads.
While generally safe, it's advisable to drive during daylight hours and be cautious on unpaved sections. Many visitors use 4x4 vehicles or ATVs for easier navigation. +1
Many visitors use ATVs, RZRs, and 4x4 vehicles to explore the vast sandy terrain. 
Public transportation directly to the dunes is limited. Most visitors travel by private vehicle or join organized tours.
The dunes are a short drive from the highway, but walking the entire distance is not practical. It's best to drive as close as possible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entry fee for the general dune areas. However, if you plan to rent ATVs or participate in organized tours, there will be associated costs.
The dunes are generally accessible during daylight hours. For stargazing or camping, overnight access might be possible, but it's best to check with local tour operators or authorities.
Typically, there are no official parking fees. However, if you park in designated areas used by rental companies or tour operators, there might be a small charge.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own vehicles, including 4x4s and ATVs, to explore the dunes.
Yes, several tour operators offer guided excursions to the Samalayuca Dunes, which can include transportation, activities like sandboarding, and sometimes camping.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular activities include sandboarding, off-roading with ATVs and RZRs, exploring the unique desert landscape, and stargazing.
Yes, sandboarding is a major attraction. You can rent boards for an hourly fee, typically around 100 pesos.
Camping is a popular option for those wanting to experience the desert at night and enjoy stargazing. It's recommended to plan ahead and be prepared for desert conditions.
You might spot roadrunners and other desert-adapted wildlife. The area is also known for unique geological formations like desert roses.
While the environment is generally quiet, it's always safer to explore with others, especially if venturing into remote areas or camping overnight. Inform someone of your plans.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited food options directly at the dunes. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks or dine in Ciudad Juárez before or after your visit.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the scenery. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the area clean.
Availability of vendors can be sporadic. It's best to stock up on supplies in Ciudad Juárez before heading to the dunes.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and any meals you plan to consume. Consider items that are easy to eat in a desert environment.
Some glamping sites, like NiFu NiFa Samalayuca, might offer meal packages or have nearby dining facilities. It's best to inquire directly when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the dunes' beauty. Midday can be harsh but still offers unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness. Consider a telephoto lens for wildlife and a tripod for low-light or long exposures.
The entire landscape is photogenic. Look for interesting dune formations, tracks left by vehicles, and the contrast between sand and sky.
Drone usage is popular for capturing aerial views of the dunes. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations regarding drone operation.
Beyond the dunes themselves, look for desert roses, roadrunners, and the vast, starry night sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Renting sandboards is affordable, and many families enjoy the experience together. For families looking for more excitement, consider guided ATV or RZR tours, which can be a thrilling experience for older children and teenagers.
+4 Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as the desert sun can be intense. 💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended to save money, as on-site vendors are scarce.
+1 For those on a tight budget, simply enjoying the vast landscape and the quietude of the desert can be a rewarding experience without significant expense. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The shifting sands create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the desert landscape. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing the immense scale of the dunes, while telephoto lenses can be used for wildlife or distant formations. +1Consider bringing a tripod for low-light photography, particularly for capturing the stunning night sky, which is a major draw for astrophotographers.
Don't forget to capture the details, such as desert roses or the tracks left by vehicles, which add character to your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Sandboarding
+2 Many creators share videos of their sandboarding adventures, highlighting the fun and sometimes challenging nature of the sport. Some even mention the effort required to climb back up the dunes after a thrilling descent. For those new to sandboarding, it's recommended to start on gentler slopes before tackling steeper ones. The feeling of gliding down the sandy hills is often described as unique and highly enjoyable, making it a must-do for many visitors.
Remember to wear appropriate clothing that covers your skin to protect against sand and sun. It's also a good idea to have a way to clean off sand from your shoes and gear afterward.
Off-Roading Adventures
+5 Many videos showcase the excitement of riding through the dunes, with riders performing maneuvers and enjoying the open desert. Rental services for these vehicles are often available, allowing visitors to experience the thrill firsthand. Popular choices for off-roading include Can-Am Maverick X3 and various Jeep models, highlighting the adventurous spirit of the visitors.
+3 It's crucial to follow designated routes and practice safe riding habits to avoid accidents and protect the fragile desert environment. Some visitors mention the sheer fun and freedom that comes with exploring the dunes on these powerful machines. For those without their own off-road vehicles, organized tours often provide access to these activities. This can be a great option for first-time visitors or those who prefer a guided experience.
The Magic of Desert Nights
Camping is a popular way to fully immerse oneself in the desert's nocturnal beauty. Setting up camp amidst the silent dunes allows for an unparalleled connection with nature.
While stargazing is a natural draw, it's important to be prepared for desert nights, which can get cold. Ensure you have warm clothing, adequate shelter, and a reliable light source.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit