Outdoors

Oceano Dunes

more than tracks in the sand

WRITTEN BY PADEN HUGHES

There are three hotly debated issues surrounding the Oceano Dunes. The first one is related to the safety of the dunes and the vehicular accidents that occur here every year. The second issue pertains to environmental impact, as the dunes are in the midst of protected wildlife habitats. The third issue revolves around air quality and particulate matter allegedly causing health

problems for people living downwind. ”

Are you one of those proud locals with a license plate frame that reads, “I live where you vacation?” Though my English relatives may find it “cheeky,” it is nonetheless true. In the summer, San Luis Obispo County attracts thousands of families looking for an incredible array of scenery and natural playgrounds to refresh them. One popular destination is the sand dunes of Oceano.

Oceano is the only beach in California allowing vehicles to careen across 3,600 acres of sand dunes naturally created by the ocean. There are three hotly debated issues surrounding the Oceano Dunes. The first one is related to the safety of the dunes and the vehicular accidents that occur here every year. The second issue pertains to environmental impact, as the dunes are in the midst of protected wildlife habitats. The third issue revolves around air quality and particulate matter allegedly causing health problems for people living downwind. While controversial and often compared to the movie Mad Max, the dunes allow for adrenaline-fueled activities while racing across the sand on an all terrain vehicle (ATV) or any four-wheel drive vehicle.

Being such a popular destination for tourists, and even some locals, I had to give it a try to see what all the hype was about. The beauty of the ocean from the flat, sandy beach to the scalloped, rippling dunes is incredible. But I wasn’t here to enjoy the beauty—I was here to ride. And, once I got the hang of it, I had the time of my life. The first dune I climbed brought me to the top of what looked like an 80-foot drop. I braced myself, knowing that I had to build up enough momentum to get up the next dune ahead. I flew down the dune. It was exhilarating to say the least.

I climbed high dunes, sped down 50+ foot drops, whirled around sand bowls, and raced across hard-packed straighta-ways, unleashing my inner speed demon.

The dunes provide a playground for any adventurer looking to design their own personal roller coaster. It is not for the timid, but it can be a great place to push past fears and try something new and exciting.

My advice for those new to the sand dunes: Approach curves and hillcrests with caution. Blind hills on either side can cause mid-air collisions. Reduce your speed when approaching blind drops and have a spotter to communicate if the coast is clear. This is critical—there are a great deal of tall dunes, and on busy weekends, many vehicles in one area with blind corners can be a recipe for disaster.

SLO LIFE

Getting there...

The recreation area is located in Oceano, three miles south of Pismo Beach off Highway 1. One mile south of the Pier Avenue beach ramp is Post 2, a post on the beach which marks the beginning of the off-highway vehicle riding and camping area. Off highway vehicles must be transported to this point before unloading. Any areas on the beach or in the dunes that are fenced or have signs posted are closed to vehicular use because they either contain sensitive plant and animal life or are private property.