Welcome to Little Sahara Sand Dunes Traditional Geocache

Little Sahara Recreation Area

Above: The Little Sahara at dusk (source: Utah.com)

A massive expanse of sandy hills, and the relics of an ancient sea, are found here: 60,000 acres of sagebrush flats, Juniper covered hills and free moving sand dunes. Many thousands of visitors come here to ride freely across sand dunes, unending trails, and enjoy a 700-foot mountain of sand. Others enjoy the unusual white sand while playing, sun bathing and castle building. And if you so choose, you can end the day by relaxing to a sage tinted sunset. Visit the Little Sahara, and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets you’ll see anywhere.

So where did all the sand come from? It came from the seabed of the ancient Lake Bonneville, a huge inland sea that was once found here thousands of years ago. For more info on the geology and history of the Sand Dunes, see the nearby earthcache: Little Sahara Sand Dunes. For those that appreciate the natural beauty of the area, you may want to check out the set aside Rockwell Natural Area, a 9,000 acre area where no OHV/ATV use is permitted.

Commune with Mother Earth at Rockwell

Rockwell is a miniature version of the larger surrounding desert ecosystem. It's sand dunes, scattered junipers, and sagebrush flats provide habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals. Mule deer and antelope, 15 species of birds, the Desert whipsnake, and 8 other species of reptiles live here. Stands of Utah juniper, sagebrush and grasses typical of the Great Basin, plus an extremely rare species of saltbush, dot the landscape.

Right: No matter the time of year, the natural beauty of Rockwell is stunning to say the least (source: Thomas Galenbeck)

Great horned owls are one of several different species of birds of prey that nest in the juniper stands inside the Rockwell Outstanding Natural Area. Please preserve the natural beauty and enhance the hiking, birding and other muscle-powered recreational opportunities found in Rockwell by keeping motor vehicles outside the boundaries of the natural area.

Recreation

There are many areas to explore within Little Sahara. The most popular activity is to use ATV (All-Terrain Vehicles) or OHV (Off-Highway Vehicles), like dirtbikes, four-wheelers, etc., and drive around the dunes, trails, etc. One of the most popular areas for ATV/OHV use is Sand Mountain, a wall of sand climbing nearly 700 feet high which provides the ultimate challenge to rider and machine. This is the prime-time focal point for those seeking hill climbing thrills.

Above: tent in Little Sahara at dusk (source: mywalkabout.net)

White Sands Dunes provides easy access to dunes and plentiful riding bowls attract riders of all abilities to this spot on the north end of the recreation area. Many beginners prefer the dunes southwest of Black Mountain, which as low-lying dunes provide easy terrain for beginners or for those who just want to get away from the crowds. 

Camping

Another popular pasttime in the Little Sahara is for people to bring tents and campers and spend the weekend or longer inside the recreation area.

• The White Sands Campground has several campsites nestled among the juniper and immediate access to dunes makes this a popular destination. Amenities include 99 campsites, flush toilets (vault in winter), drinking water, and a fenced non-motorized play area.
• The Oasis Campground is the most developed site in the recreation area. Paved pads for trailers and motor homes combined with ready access to the dunes makes this a popular site with families. It has 114 campsites, flush toilets (vault in winter), RV dump station, drinking water. 
• The Jericho Area was originally designed as a fenced picnic area, but it also serves as an overflow camping area. Good area for large groups. You'll find paved parking access road, 41 picnic tables with shade ramadas, flush toilets, drinking water, amphitheater, and a fenced sand play area there.
• Sand Mountain is a primitive camping/staging area. This place really rocks during popular holiday weekends. 3 paved parking loops, vault toilets, drinking water, tent spaces.
• Note that dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Little Sahara Recreation Area. Please follow "Leave No Trace" camping techniques to preserve the beauty of the area.

Right: During the peak season, you might have some trouble finding a place to camp (source: my2wheels.com)

Tips on How to Keep a Great Place Great:

• If you're under 18 years of age, helmets are the law. If older, why tempt the law of averages?
• Broken Glass in the sand is dangerous. Please help by disposing of broken glass properly.
• Drinking and driving don't mix. Now repeat after me, "Drinking and....."
• Help wipe out collisions by using a whip flag. For safety's sake, State regulations require the use of whip flags in sand dune areas.
• Do forget the firearms. Discharging them at Little Sahara is illegal, so please leave them home.
• Vandalism of toilets and tables is everyone's loss and costs all of us money. If you observe vandalism, please report it to a BLM ranger.
• If you pack it in, pack it out. Aluminum and glass don't burn, so please keep them out of your campfire.
• Play safe, not sorry. Each year several people are seriously injured or killed in the dunes due to accidents. Always check for steep drop-offs or other riders before powering over the crest of a dune.
• Remember, watch out for pedestrians and children playing in the dunes.
• Tread Lightly! Drive responsibly to protect the environment and preserve the opportunities to enjoy recreation at Little Sahara.

For more info / details, check out the BLM pamphlet.

Source: Information adapted from www.blm.utah.gov and otherwise as noted, by josephaw