Amargosa Big Dune

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 Over 5 square miles of “Singing Sand” fun in Southern Nevada!
Trail Uses
Utv/jeep driving Atv riding Dirt biking
Location
Nye County
Difficulty
Difficult
Town
Amargosa Valley
Surface
Sand
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The Amargosa Big Dune is a popular spot for local, Southern Nevada off-roaders. It is similar in size as the Sand Mountain Dunes near Fallon, at about 5 square miles, and sees fewer visitors. This is a year-round OHV area, although the summer temperatures may go well above 110 degrees.  There are no toilet or water facilities, and dispersed camping is allowed.  

The dunes are one of the three “Singing Sand” dune areas in Nevada. This is an amazing natural phenomena caused by specific sand particles and arid conditions, where the dunes themselves omit a roaring or booming sound. 

The dunes are home to a rare beetle, called the Big Dune Beetle, along with several other rare beetle species and the Desert Tortoise.  The Bureau of Land Management has designated the dunes as an Area of Critical Environment Concern, ACEC, and has set aside a 5-acre plot to protect critical habitat. Please watch for wildlife and respect signs bordering this area.  

Other Information

Visit TravelNevada's website for more information on Big Dune.

Click Here to see the Nevada OHV Program's information on Big Dune and surrounding riding areas.

RiderPlanet.com's Big Dune webpage.

Trail Manager

The Bureau of Land Management has a Recreation Webpage for the Amargosa Big Dune area.

Bureau of Land Management - Las Vegas Field Office
4701 North Torrey Pines Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89130
Phone: (702) 515-5000
blm_nv_sndo_web_mail@blm.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know your limits – it’s okay to turn back. Your home is the ultimate destination, not the summit.

Trailhead Information

LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 36.647378, -116.584977

From US-95 in Amargosa Valley, turn west onto Valley View Road and drive about 2 miles.  Trailhead is down a dirt road to the right, at the base of the dune area.  Big Dune Road is a few miles farther to the north along Hwy 95. This takes you to the western side of the dune area.

Dispersed camping is allowed, but the area has no facilities.  Use caution when driving and parking near the dune area.

Legend
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