Nearest city Eureka, Utah Management Bureau of Land Management | Phone +1 435-433-5960 | |
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Location Juab County, Utah
United States Area 220 square miles (570 km) Governing body Bureau of Land Management Address Sand Mount Rd, Nephi, UT 84648, USA Hours Open today · Open 24 hoursWednesdayOpen 24 hoursThursdayOpen 24 hoursFridayOpen 24 hoursSaturdayOpen 24 hoursSundayOpen 24 hoursMondayOpen 24 hoursTuesdayOpen 24 hoursSuggest an edit Similar Great Western Trail, Yuba State Park, Algodones Dunes, Fish Springs National, Sand Hollow State Park | ||
Little sahara recreation area jericho sand dunes
The Little Sahara Recreation Area (previously known as the Little Sahara National Recreation Area) is a large area of sand dunes, hills and sagebrush flats located in the northeast corner of the Sevier Desert in Juab County in the west central part of Utah, United States.
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Easter 2016 little sahara utah
Description
The recreation area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management of the United States Department of the Interior. A 9,000-acre (36 km2) portion of the northwest corner of the facility has been designated as The Rockwell Natural Area and is off limits to vehicles to preserve and shelter desert plants and animals. Although the entire recreation area is located within Juab County, the dune field (which covers an area of 220 square miles [570 km2]), extends southwest into Millard County, nearly as far as the city of Delta.
Geology
The Little Sahara sand dunes are remnants of a large river delta formed by the Sevier River from about 12,500 to 20,000 years ago. The river emptied into ancient Lake Bonneville near the present day mouth of Leamington Canyon. After Lake Bonneville receded, winds transported the sand from the river delta to the current location. The dunes are still moving 5 to 9 feet (1.5 to 2.7 m) per year. One of the primary barriers to the sand movement are the Sand Hills, which are located entirely within the recreation area and substantially slow the movement of the blowing sand.
The sand consists of quartz grains, with minor amounts of feldspar, biotite, calcite, garnet and magnetite.
Recreation
Little Sahara is one of the most popular locations in the state for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding. Riders can enjoy riding on 60,000 acres (240 km2) of sand dunes, trails and sage brush flats. Within the Sand Hills is Sand Mountain, a 700–800-foot (210–240 m) wall of sand that challenges experienced riders and the most capable machines. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking and two of the world's biggest sand boxes which are areas of the dunes fenced off from vehicle and horseback riders. Though there are many campsites excellent for tent camping, use of recreational vehicles and camp trailers is very popular. The area sees the highest number of visitors over holiday weekends from spring to fall.
Wildlife
The area is home to typical Great Basin desert wildlife including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, snakes, lizards and birds of prey. Great horned owls make their home among juniper trees in the Rockwell Natural Area.