Most first-time renters at Glamis have never driven a side-by-side. That is completely normal. The Glamis dunes see thousands of first-timers every season, and the Can-Am Maverick X3 platform is designed to be manageable even at 120HP. You do not need off-road experience to rent from us. You need to be 25 or older with a valid ID.
This page tells you exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at Vendor Row to the moment you pull out onto the sand. No surprises, no gaps.
No. Prior off-road experience is not required to rent. What is required is a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or IDP for international visitors. If you can drive a car, you have the baseline skills to follow our safety briefing and operate one of our machines at an appropriate pace for your skill level.
The difference between a beginner and an experienced rider is pace, not access. The dunes are open to all skill levels. Our briefing will tell you which areas suit a first day on the sand, and our machines are capable of running everything from flat bowl sections to moderate dune climbs without pushing beyond beginner comfort.
You do not need prior off-road experience. You need to be 25+ with a valid ID. Our team handles the rest with a full safety and controls briefing before you ride.
For first-time riders, the Can-Am Maverick X3 DS Turbo at 120HP is the starting point. This is the most popular machine in our fleet for a reason. It has more than enough power to handle every section of the Glamis dunes, but its 64-inch stance and FOX 2.5 shocks make it predictable and manageable at the speeds a beginner will actually ride.
If you are bringing family or passengers, the X3 Max DS Turbo seats four in the same 120HP package. Same ride quality, same handling, same briefing.
| Model | HP | Price/Day | Why It Works for Beginners |
|---|---|---|---|
| X3 DS Turbo (2-Seat) | 120 HP | $724.90 | Predictable 64" stance, plenty of power, forgiving on varied terrain |
| X3 Max DS Turbo (4-Seat) | 120 HP | $790.90 | Best UTV for Same ride as above with room for passengers |
Most families choose the X3 Max DS Turbo at $790.90/day for a first Glamis trip. It provides more than enough power for the full dune system while keeping the experience manageable for new riders.
Before any renter leaves Vendor Row, our team walks through a complete vehicle controls and safety orientation. This is not a two-minute disclaimer. It covers:
Run through this before your first dune run:
These are the same things our team tells every first-timer. They are worth reading before you arrive:
The Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area is a large open desert. The main riding areas near Vendor Row range from flat, wide corridors that feel like a very fast dirt road to bowl formations where you drive down into a natural bowl and climb back out. A beginner on day one will have more than enough terrain to fill an entire day without touching the more technical sections.
The experience is physical. Sand is softer than asphalt, which means the machine works harder and so does your body. Plan for a shorter first day than you think you need.
Book online, call or text (760) 573-6825, or use our third-party booking platform. A 25% deposit locks in your machine and dates. The remaining balance and damage deposit are collected at pickup. If you have questions about which machine fits your group, call before you book. Our team will match you to the right unit.