Sand Mountain Recreation Area

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Situated between Fallon and Middlegate Nevada, this open riding area provides excitement and fun for locals and travelers. 
Trail Uses
Utv/jeep driving Atv riding Dirt biking
Location
Churchill County
Towns
Fallon, Middlegate
Surface
Sand
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
Yes
Wilderness Study Areas
Job Peak Wilderness Study Area

Description

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.

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.

Other Information

 See the BLM website for list of fees and specific regulations.

For lodging and family friendly activities nearby, visit the City of Fallon's website.  

Trail Manager

For more information visit the BLM Sand Mountain website or contact:

Bureau of Land Management - Stillwater Field Office
5665 Morgan Mill Road
Carson City, Nevada 89701
Phone: 775-885-6000
ccfoweb@blm.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for extreme weather. Bring rain/wind gear, warm clothing, and matches/fire starters.

Trailhead Information

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.

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