Plaque Inscription:
This unique plank road, seven miles long, was the only means early motorists had of crossing the
treacherous Imperial sand dunes. The 8-by-12-foot sections were moved with a team of horses whenever the shifting sands covered
portions of the road. Double sections were placed at intervals to permit vehicles to pass.
Location: Imperial County. Algodones Sand Dunes County Rest Area, S side of I-8 (P.M. 77.4), 18 mi W of Winterhaven. Note: Plaque was removed from rest area and is on S side of Gray's Well Rd,
3.3 mi W of intersection with I-8, 18 mi W of Winterhaven. At plaque site are
examples of the plank road.
GPS Coordinates for plaque: 32˚42.615N – 114˚55.392W (JMP)
Text and lyrics available on ‘California State Landmarks – Imperial County’ –
rfm# 046