Little Sahara OHV Guide: Utah's Premier Sand Dune Adventure

Polaris RZR 1000 XP4 interior with 4 adult seats

If you’re chasing adrenaline-pumping dunes, wide-open trails, and epic weekend campouts, Little Sahara Recreation Area is your go-to OHV destination. Located in Utah’s West Desert, this sprawling 60,000-acre playground is just under 90 minutes from Utah Motorsports — and offers something for every kind of rider.

From beginner-friendly flats to towering sand dunes like Sand Mountain, here’s everything you need to know to plan your ride.


📍 Getting to Little Sahara from Utah Motorsports

  • Drive Time: ~1 hr 25 min (via Lehi → Nephi → Jericho Junction)

  • Trailhead Address: 27020 W Sand Mountain Road, Eureka, UT 84628

  • Google Searchable? Yes! Just search "Little Sahara Recreation Area Utah"
    View on Google Maps

Main Entrances:

  • Sand Mountain (most popular dune area)

  • White Sands Campground

  • Jericho Picnic Area

  • Black Mountain Rock Crawling Trails


🛞 Terrain, Trail Conditions & Difficulty

Little Sahara features a diverse landscape — from soft dune fields to desert scrubland and technical rock.

  • Sand Dunes: Rolling and steep; open and unmarked

  • Desert Trails: Packed dirt, whoops, and occasional rock

  • Rock Crawling: Found near Black Mountain

  • Flags Required?  Yes — orange whip flags are mandatory on all OHVs

  • Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced

  • Best Season: Fall, Spring, Early Summer — dunes get HOT by midday

✔️ Vehicle Accessibility:
✅ Dirt Bikes
✅ SxS / UTVs
✅ Four Wheelers
✅ Sand-Ready 4x4 Trucks
❌ Not ideal for stock 2WD vehicles or novice drivers unfamiliar with sand driving


 Can You Camp at Little Sahara?

Absolutely — camping is encouraged and one of the best parts of the experience.

  • Cost: $18/night per vehicle

  • Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings

  • Popular Campgrounds:

    • White Sands (closest to big dunes)

    • Oasis Campground (with shade structures)

    • Jericho (flat and family-friendly)

🔥 Campfires are permitted unless local restrictions are in effect. Bring your own water — none is available onsite.


🧭 Unique Features of Little Sahara

  • Sand Mountain rises 700 feet and offers steep climbs and wild descents

  • Open-ride policy: Go wherever your skills (and machine) allow

  • Night riding is allowed — just make sure your lights and flags are visible

  • Dune drag racing near the base of Sand Mountain is a local favorite

  • Wildlife sightings include lizards, jackrabbits, and antelope

🧂 Pro Tip: Lower your tire pressure before hitting the dunes for max traction.


Little Sahara Weather Conditions

Check current desert weather before heading out. High winds or extreme heat can change your ride plans quickly:

JERICHO WEATHER

 

Polaris RZR XP4 rental in Utah on desert riding trail

Tell Us About Your Ride!

Been to Little Sahara recently? We’d love to hear your story — especially if you got a photo at the top of Sand Mountain!

Here’s how to share your experience:


🛠️ Need Sand-Ready Rentals or Gear?


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