Little Sahara Recreation Area | Utah

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping climbs, scenic trails, or tranquil camping spots, Little Sahara delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Hours and Seasons

• Recreation Area: Always open!
• Visitor Center: Closed for summer, reopening in fall. The Visitor Center is typically open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from mid-August through late May.

Things to Do

Ride OHVs and Fat Bikes

• All Skill Levels: Little Sahara offers something for every rider, from first-timers to thrill-seekers. If you're new to off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, head to the dunes southwest of Black Mountain. This area features low-lying, less crowded terrain that’s perfect for beginners. For a more balanced experience, the White Sand Dunes at the north end of the recreation area provide easy dune access and a variety of bowls suitable for all skill levels.
• Advanced Riders: For the ultimate challenge, Sand Mountain rises nearly 700 feet and is a must-ride for experienced enthusiasts looking to push their limits with hill climbs that test both machine and rider. Prefer dirt over sand? Explore the network of trails around Black Mountain, offering miles of traditional OHV trail riding through rugged desert terrain.
• Non-Motorized: Prefer person-powered? No problem. Little Sahara is also a hotspot for non-motorized sand recreation. Try fat biking across the dunes—wide tires help you float on soft sand where regular mountain bikes can’t go. Or give sandboarding and sand skiing a shot down the slopes of Sand Mountain.

Explore and Play

• Rockwell Wilderness Study Area: When you're ready to slow down and explore the desert on foot, the Rockwell Wilderness Study Area offers a peaceful alternative. This 9,000-acre, vehicle-free zone is a sanctuary of undisturbed desert ecology, where rolling dunes, scattered Utah junipers, sagebrush, and native grasses create ideal conditions for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. It’s also home to diverse wildlife, including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, 15 bird species, and a variety of reptiles like the desert whipsnake.
• Visit with Children: Little Sahara features two of Utah’s largest sand play areas, located near the White Sands Campground and Jericho Picnic Area. These are motor-free environment where kids can enjoy digging, castle building, and sand play. Please supervise children at all times and avoid tunneling in the sand for safety.

Camp

Whether you're in an RV, tent, or just looking to roll out a sleeping bag under the stars, Little Sahara offers a range of camping options across four BLM-maintained campgrounds, plus opportunities for dispersed camping. Camping is first-come-first-served with no reservations. There is no additional cost for camping beyond the entry fee. See Go Camping for details.

Features and Services

• Access and Road Conditions: The primary access roads and campground roads are paved, while many secondary routes and riding areas are unpaved.
• Cell service: Connectivity is limited and unreliable in the recreation area. WiFi is available at the Visitor Center for access to Recreation.gov only.
• Toilets and Drinking Water: Restrooms and drinking water are available at the Visitor Center and campgrounds, with flush toilets available during warmer months and vault toilets available year-round.
• Pets: Pets are allowed and must be kept on leash in developed areas and areas with heavy traffic.

Recreate Safely and Responsibly

By playing safe and caring for the land, you’re helping make sure Little Sahara stays open, fun, and wild for years to come.