The Dirt: Sand Mountain Recreation Area

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Sand Mountain Recreation Area is a 4,795 acre designated OHV Fee site. The dunes are approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. The approximately 600-foot high sand dune is the largest in Nevada and provides an ever-changing landscape for off-road motorists of all-types. Open OHV use on un-vegetated sand areas is allowed. OHV travel is limited to existing roads and trails in vegetated areas.

This popular site provides ample space for dispersed camping and averages between 50,000-70,000 visitors per year. See the BLM website for list of fees and specific regulations.

Also near the recreation area is the Sand Springs Pony Express Station, one of 150 such stations built in 1860 to deliver mail across the United States ranging from California to Missouri, and the Sand Springs Desert Study Area. The Sand Springs Desert Study Area allows visitors to explore the areas not accessible to off-highway vehicles and to provide space for the endemic Sand Mountain Blue Butterfly that only exists within the Kearney Buckwheat habitat unique to Sand Mountain.

For longer treks away from the dunes, riders can follow trails north and east up into the Stillwater Mountain Range.

Directions

Head 25 miles east of Fallon on US Route 50 look for Sand Mountain Recreation Area on the north-east side of the highway. Area requires an entry-fee, see BLM site for details.

Rules of the Road

Land Manager: Bureau of Land Management

BLM Field Office – Stillwater
5665 Morgan Mill Road
Carson City, NV 89701

775-885-6000

Motor vehicles are permitted on designated trails only. For local regulations regarding OHV use on county roads, visit the BLM OHV Website https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/OHV.

Always plan ahead and prepare for uncertainty. Travel with warm clothing, first aid, food, water and appropriate tools to fix a problem.

Traveling in groups is always a good idea, as well as informing someone of where you will be going.