Little Sahara Recreation Area

Little Sahara Recreation Area, Utah

Little Sahara Recreation Area, UT
Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Expansive desert playground featuring 60,000 acres of sand dunes, sagebrush flats, and OHV trails with camping and wildlife viewing.

General Information

Hours:
Open year-round; Visitor Center open Fri–Sun: 9am–4pm
Fees:
$18 per vehicle/day
$120 annual pass
$60 annual pass for seniors and persons with disabilities
Pet Policy:
Pets allowed; must be leashed and cleaned up after
Closest cities with hotels:
Nephi (30 mi), Delta (40 mi)
Seasons:
Best visited September through May; summer heat can be extreme
Location:
Little Sahara Recreation Area, Nephi, UT 84648
Website:
blm.gov

How to Get There

From Provo (60 mi): Take I-15 S to US-6 W, continue for 59 miles, then turn right onto Sand Mountain Rd and drive 4 miles to the entrance.

Overview

The Little Sahara Recreation Area is Utah’s premier off-highway vehicle destination, offering 60,000 acres of sand dunes, sagebrush flats, and juniper-covered hills. Located in the Sevier Desert, this BLM-managed area features the towering 700-foot Sand Mountain, the expansive White Sand Dunes, and the Rockwell Wilderness Study Area for non-motorized recreation. Visitors can enjoy sandboarding, fat biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in addition to OHV riding. The area includes four developed campgrounds and allows dispersed camping, making it ideal for weekend getaways and extended stays.

With over 300,000 annual visitors, Little Sahara is busiest on holiday weekends but offers solitude during weekdays. The terrain varies from beginner-friendly dunes to challenging climbs, and safety regulations such as helmets and whip flags are enforced. The Visitor Center provides maps, passes, and information, while nearby towns offer supplies and lodging. Whether you're seeking adrenaline or desert serenity, Little Sahara delivers a dynamic and unforgettable outdoor experience.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Little Sahara Recreation Area, which are released under the