Dumont Dunes North Pole – California - Atlas Obscura
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Dumont Dunes North Pole

California

Peek inside this sandy mailbox and you'll spot kids' letters to Santa.  

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The North Pole sign. LukeyLux (Atlas Obscura User)
The North Pole sign. LukeyLux (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Dumont North Pole has always been a popular place where you can find quaders relaxing and taking a break from a dune ride. But you’ll also find something much more whimsical.

The pole, which is located at the northeastern-most tip of the dunes, consists of a heavy-base pole with an attached mailbox. Peek inside the mailbox, and you’ll find  letters to Santa from kids, as well as random notes from adult visitors. Most of the time, you’ll find a magic marker inside the mailbox that some off-roaders use to sign their name on the box. 

Know Before You Go

Any off-road travel beyond the north pole out into the desert is prohibited! The area surrounding the dunes is closed to off-road use. Even if you find tracks leading out to other areas of the desert, do not follow them. Those trails are out of bounds and you will be fined for riding out there.


Cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management on this matter will make life easier for everyone. Be a responsible duner and only ride in allowed areas. At a decent pace, it is about a 10-to-15 minute ride from the camp area. Kids love the North Pole, but it is a rather long ride for small quads. On a holiday weekend, you can usually find quite the crowd out there

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