Explore the Buttercup Valley, Imperial Sand Dunes in Yuma, Arizona
Story, video by Cassie Hepler, Photos by Brian Delfin
Before I even had the idea of moving to Arizona and was a sparkle in my father’s eye, my mother lived in Yuma, Arizona with one of her Pennsylvania friends who moved with her, Judy. She was full on bohemian hippy with her VW yellow bug and adventurous spirit which I have inherited at least half of… My uncle on her side liked to say that I got the traveling bug from Uncle Jesse who would hop trains and then hustle around the country. And because mothers and grandmothers literally carry the eggs of their children and grandchildren, in essence I was there already – just not quite activated. My father was an entrepreneur, starting his business when my brother and I were little toe-headed kids and my skin was very translucent on a farm in Central Pennsylvania with Amish neighbors. Now it all makes sense, right?!
How to Sew a Dress
So when I gained a new to me Singer sewing machine again, I decided to make a dress that would be worthy of the sand dunes in Arizona. I have always been stalking fashion online especially those long, flowing dresses you can rent for photoshoots in European or exotic places and thought no, I want to create my own unique one. So off to the thrift store I went, bought a huge, tall roll of flowing white fabric and went to town. I literally was just pinning and sewing as I went, using my own body as markers of where to stitch. I hadn’t touched a sewing machine since Philly and even that one sat in my closet for years. But my mom had pimped out my new to me Singer, oiling it up and getting it running right and it was just like riding a bike. All the women on my mom’s side sew and I remember an ex of mine was trying to insult me once and said, “Why don’t you just go sew something?” So I did – and it was epic, asshole. I did try to dye it a deep blue with Rit Dye and soon found out some materials just won’t accept dye so this has only a slight tinge of blue to it. But I think it’s a pretty damn good first try after a decade of not sewing!
Where to Stay in Yuma, Arizona
So as we do, Brian and I planned our epic first visit to the Buttercup Valley and Imperial Sand Dunes for winter because you would legit die out there in the summer with the scorching heat. Staying at the Radisson Hotel Yuma, we really liked that place because of the comfy beds and included hot buffet breakfast. They also accommodate early checkins and checkouts with almost a full 24 hour stay – what a groundbreaking concept!! Now onto the sand dunes, the reason for the road trip in the first place.
Imperial Sand Dunes
Before you go, the first step is knowing the difference between the Buttercup Valley and Imperial Sand Dunes. The Imperial Sand Dunes in California also known as Glamis were used in the filming of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi from 1983. The largest sand dune mass, it is on the border of Arizona and California and is located in in California proper. These dunes come with more people and a laundry list of rules, regulations and limits so know before you go – and it’s further from Yuma. Enjoy the Jedi throwback below to get the Imperial Sand Dunes vibe!
Buttercup Valley
So we decided on the Buttercup Sand Dunes or Buttercup Valley, a lesser known spot but that meant less people, less editing and more fun for us! About 20 minutes west of Yuma, Arizona you’ll find this not-so hidden gem. It’s a popular getaway for off-road enthusiasts, RV camping and so many desert toys zipping around occasionally. Your best bet is a Monday or Tuesday with less people and during the holidays, it becomes a makeshift city with mobile vendors and eateries. The area is allegedly patrolled heavily by the Bureau of Land Management, The California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Border Patrol but we’ve never seen a soul. And if you go far enough into the dunes, you’ll end up at the Mexican border. There are hole in the ground restrooms but no water supply so pack a LOT of hydration and electrolytes. Four-wheel drive is needed if you’re climbing with your car but we hiked it like the crazy kids we are! The sand begins scratchy and full of questionable materials so wear sneakers then at the top is smooth like silk which my bare feet enjoyed immensely.
And don’t worry all my Star Wars nerds, you can still get your fix here too! Jabba the Hutt‘s 80-feet high, 212-feet long hover barge was built here at Buttercup Sand Dunes from Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi in 1983. Get some blubbery nostalgia below and the ship that is allegedly still in the dunes!
OK enough geeking out, on with the fashion show and our first experience into the sand dunes! We paced it well, driving out there first then getting enough rest. We had a big breakfast, went to the dunes and did a set of photos hiking up and back, then to lunch at Ninja Sushi with bogo roll deals and climbed back up for sunset. It was a long day but well worth it, I was so vibing with the sand, I may have slithered like a snake and the complete deafness of sound it produces is amazing even from the highway. We had a buggy stop and ask if we wanted to go for a ride and we wanted to but also trying to capture our epic shots so opted for another time. We should have gotten their contact info because now I want to zip across those dunes just like my mom and Judy used to do!
Whether you’re doing a Star Wars themed shoot or just trying to make epic art and live your best life, this is now one of my favorite places and seems to be a turning into a tradition as we went back to play in the sand again. Maybe I’ll post that experience next!
