Red Sands, El Paso: Visitor Guide to the Desert Dunes

If you're hunting for fun things to do in El Paso, Texas, put Red Sands at the top of your list. This sprawling stretch of red-hued desert dunes sits just east of the city and delivers one of the most unique landscapes in West Texas — rolling sand, wide-open sky, and trails that seem to go forever.

Whether you're visiting El Paso for the weekend or passing through on a Southwest road trip, here's everything you need to know before you go.

Where Is Red Sands in El Paso?

Red Sands sits on the east side of El Paso, off Montana Avenue toward the New Mexico state line — roughly 20 miles from downtown El Paso. You'll spot the reddish sand from the highway as you head east past the city limits.

Heads up: Red Sands is not an official OHV park and isn't managed or maintained by any agency. It's a mix of private and public lands — most of it privately owned — that locals have ridden for decades. Always respect no-trespassing signs and stay on established routes. Our guides are specifically trained to avoid restricted and private areas, so when you ride with Rent a UTV El Paso, you can focus on the adventure knowing you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

Pair your guided Red Sands ride with nearby Hueco Tanks State Park for a full day of El Paso outdoor adventure. The two are close enough to visit in one trip.

What Makes Red Sands Special?

Red Sands isn't like anywhere else in Texas. The dunes get their signature color from iron-rich red sand, and the terrain mixes soft dune bowls with hard-packed desert trails. Millions of years ago, this entire region sat beneath an ancient sea — visitors still turn up fossils in the area today.

It's a favorite among off-roaders, photographers, and anyone who wants to see a wilder side of the Chihuahuan Desert. Sunrises and sunsets here are unreal, with the low light setting the whole landscape on fire.

The Best Things to Do at Red Sands

1. Take a Guided UTV Tour (the #1 Way to See It)

The single best way to experience Red Sands is from behind the wheel of a UTV on a guided tour. Rent a UTV El Paso runs guided trips straight into the dunes — you drive a brand-new turbocharged four-seat Can-Am Maverick X3 while a professional guide leads the way from the front.

The ride covers roughly 25 miles of Baja-style desert trail through the heart of Red Sands, with about an hour of actual ride time plus instruction before you roll out. Helmets and goggles are included, and you park at the East El Paso office and ride directly onto the trail — no trailer, no hassle.

Tours run $195 for a solo driver or $295 for the whole crew (one driver plus up to three passengers). Drivers need to be 18+ with a valid driver's license. Reservations are prepaid and spots fill fast on weekends, so book ahead.

2. Catch Sunrise or Sunset in the Dunes

Even if you don't ride, Red Sands is worth the drive for golden hour alone. The red sand glows at sunrise and sunset, and the open desert makes for incredible photos. Bring a camera — your phone will do just fine.

3. Go Fossil Spotting

Because the area was once an ancient seabed, fossil fragments turn up in the sand. Keep your eyes on the ground as you walk the dunes. Take photos, leave what you find.

4. Stargaze

Far from city lights, Red Sands offers dark desert skies. On a clear, moonless night, the Milky Way puts on a show. Bring a blanket, lie back, and look up.

5. Plan Access Before You Go

Because Red Sands crosses mostly private land alongside some public land, do not assume camping or unrestricted access is allowed. Respect posted signs, stay on established routes, and confirm permission before stopping or setting up anywhere.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Red Sands?

Weather changes dramatically through the year, and access may depend on land boundaries, posted restrictions, and current conditions. For a planned visit, these seasonal patterns can help:

• Fall through spring (October–April): The sweet spot. Daytime temps are comfortable, skies are clear, and it's perfect riding weather.
• Summer (May–September): It gets seriously hot. If you visit in summer, go early in the morning, bring more water than you think you need, and wear sun protection.

Morning tours are ideal any time of year — cooler air, softer light, and calmer wind.

What to Bring to Red Sands

The desert doesn't do convenience stores. Pack for it:

• Water — at least a gallon per person for a half-day trip
• Sunscreen and sunglasses — the sun reflects hard off the sand
• Closed-toe shoes — sand gets hot, and the terrain is uneven
• A hat or bandana — keeps sand and sun out of your face
• Snacks — you'll work up an appetite
• A fully charged phone — for photos and maps (service can be spotty)

If you're taking a guided UTV tour, helmets and goggles are provided — just show up in comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dusty.

Red Sands Visitor FAQ

Is Red Sands an official park?

No. Red Sands is an unmanaged mix of private and public lands, mostly privately owned. Respect no-trespassing signs, stay on established routes, and confirm you have permission to access the area you plan to use.

Can I bring my own off-road vehicle?

Locals have ridden parts of the area for decades, but access is not unrestricted. Respect all posted signs and private property boundaries. If you'd rather skip the route-finding, a guided tour is led by professionals trained to avoid restricted areas.

How far is Red Sands from downtown El Paso?

About 20 miles east, roughly a 25–30 minute drive via Montana Avenue.

Is Red Sands good for kids?

Absolutely — kids love the dunes. On guided UTV tours, passengers can ride along with height minimums of 60 inches for the front seat and 46 inches for the rear seats.

Do I need to book a UTV tour in advance?

Yes. Tours are prepaid, walk-ins aren't available, and weekend spots go quickly. Arrive 30 minutes early on tour day.

Make Red Sands the Highlight of Your El Paso Trip

Most tourists come to El Paso for the food, the culture, and the Franklin Mountains — and they leave talking about Red Sands. It's the kind of place that doesn't look like anywhere else in Texas, and a guided UTV ride through the dunes is the kind of story you tell for years.

Ready to ride? Book your Red Sands UTV tour with Rent a UTV El Paso and see the desert the way it was meant to be seen — wide open and full throttle.

Planning the rest of your trip? Check out Visit El Paso for events, dining, and more things to do around the city.