Last Updated on January 17, 2024
The Little Sahara Recreation Area is a popular destination for sandboarding located in the Sevier Desert, part of the greater Salt Lake City area, in Utah.
It is not to be confused with the Little Sahara State Park in Oklahoma.
This vast sand dune complex spans 124 square miles, or 60,000 acres, and is mostly open to recreational off-roading.
The area is known for its unique desert landscape, which provides a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities.
One of the highlights of the Little Sahara Recreation Area is the 700 feet tall “Sand Mountain”.
This towering dune is a favorite spot for sand surfing, offering thrill-seekers a chance to ride down its steep slopes.
The sensation of sandboarding down Sand Mountain is often compared to snowboarding, but with a unique twist – instead of snow, you’re gliding on fine grains of sand.
Recreational Activities
In addition to sandboarding, the Little Sahara Recreation Area offers a range of other recreational activities.
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the 6,000-acre Rockwell Outstanding Natural Area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.
For those who prefer cycling, fat-biking on the dunes is another popular activity.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular pastime at Little Sahara. The area is home to a variety of desert-dwelling creatures, and visitors often spot animals such as jackrabbits, kangaroo rats, and even the occasional coyote.
Birdwatchers will also enjoy the area, as it is frequented by species such as the golden eagle and the prairie falcon.
For families with children, the Little Sahara Recreation Area offers two children’s sand play areas.
These are located in the White Sands Campground and the Jericho Picnic Area, providing a safe and fun environment for kids to play and explore.
About the Sevier Desert
The Sevier Desert is a large arid region located in central-west Utah, United States. It is situated in the southeast of the Great Basin and is bordered by deserts to the north, west, and south.
The eastern border of the Sevier Desert is along the mountain range and valley sequences at the perimeter of the Great Basin, with the large north–south Wasatch Range and its associated mountainous landforms.
The desert is named after the Sevier River, which flows through it in a circuitous manner, eventually leading to Sevier Lake in the extreme southwest of the Sevier Desert.
The river enters the desert from the east, flowing west, then turning southwest, and finally west again to enter the north of Sevier Lake.
The Sevier Desert spans approximately 105 miles (169 km) north to south and about 60 miles (97 km) wide. It covers a large section of the central-north Sevier River drainage and much of the eastern half of Millard County.
The southeast section of the desert contains the Black Rock Desert volcanic field, which includes the notable Pahvant Butte, a formation from the time of Lake Bonneville.
The Little Sahara Recreation Area, a popular spot for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, is located in the northeast of the desert.
The desert’s landscape is composed of small mountain ranges, valleys, flatlands, and reservoirs.
It is also home to Fumarole Butte, a 5,278 feet (1,609 m) high formation located about 10 miles (16 km) east of the Drum Mountains.
Getting There
The Little Sahara State Park is located in the greater Salt Lake City area.
From Salt Lake City, the Little Sahara Recreation Area is less than a two-hour drive. This makes it a convenient day trip for residents and tourists in the city. Simply head south on I-15, then take exit 225 towards Nephi. From there, travel west on Highway 132.
If you’re coming from Nephi, travel approximately 28 miles west on Highway 132. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, making the drive an enjoyable part of the trip. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs pointing towards the Little Sahara Recreation Area.
For those starting from Delta, travel approximately 38 miles north on Highway 6. The route takes you through the heart of Utah’s desert landscape, offering a unique perspective of the state’s natural beauty.
If you’re coming from Eureka, travel south approximately 23 miles on Highway 6. This route takes you directly to the Little Sahara Recreation Area, making it a straightforward journey.
These routes will lead you to the Little Sahara Recreation Area located at 27020 Sand Mountain Rd, Eureka, UT, 84628. Once there, you can start your adventure in this unique desert landscape.
Read also: Sandboarding in Utah
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