Most picturesque area?

Hey everyone,

First of all, hello, glad this resource exists, I've learned a lot on here, thank you all!

I'm going to be in the San Diego area for work soon. I am a hobby photographer and love capturing and creating wallpapers for myself mostly. Are there any good areas/days of the week where it's easier to get some of those iconic dune shots where the sand is relatively undisturbed? I thought I would drive out to the area (in a rental car) and was wondering if there are places that aren't too populated by off-roading bikes and vehicles so I can hopefully get some photos without the tire tracks. I would love to get a couple photos with my drone as well so I know the algodones wilderness area is off limits.

If you have any recommendations for areas to visit or if there's a day of the week that tends to be less busy, I'd love any insight. Thanks so much everyone.

Walk in the north dunes. North side of the 78.
Could drive down to Mammoth wash as well.

Summer time after the wind resets the dunes. It will be a bit warm but no tracks

Grease Monkey said:

Walk in the north dunes. North side of the 78.
Could drive down to Mammoth wash as well.

Click to expand...

Bingo. Park at Osborne, meander across the 78 and you are in big untouched dunes. Cross by the ranger station or glamis beach store and you are in the flats. You can take Ted Kipf road North from the glamis beach store and drive till you find what you like. You may need a pass to drive up there though.

Good advice here on locations.

Only thing I would add is - don't drive your car off the asphalt! Even if it looks ok...it's usually not. Have seen more than one person slightly off the pavement at Osborne get stuck to the point of needing to be pulled out. This is made worse in the offseason when fewer vehicles are around to pack the sand down a bit.

Osbourne Lookout anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Sunrise shots will be a more enjoyable experience over Sunset, but not by much.

sand diva said:

Summer time after the wind resets the dunes. It will be a bit warm but no tracks

Click to expand...

Some of my best trips, we call them devils runs!!

You can even park at the very top of Road Runner Estates with no Dbart/LatinLover music

Super helpful, thank you so much everyone! Might shoot through a photo or two for y'all after I finish.