|
Little
Sahara Recreation Area
Back
To Utah
ATV Trails
White
Sand dunes Picture
Taken By T Webb
Little
Sahara Recreation Area commonly known as Jericho Sand Dunes, is
sandy reminder of Lake Bonneville. A plentiful sand source and
strong prevailing winds have combined to create Little Sahara, one
of the largest dunes fields found in Utah. Most of the sand at
Little Sahara is the result of deposits left by the Sevier River,
which once flowed into ancient Lake Bonneville some 15,000 years
ago. After the lake receded, the southwesterly winds that flow
across the Sevier Desert picked up the exposed sand. Sand Mountain,
in the middle of the dune field, deflected the wind upward, causing
it to slow and drop its load of sand. Sand particles, composed
mostly of quartz, fell downwind among the sage brush and juniper
around Sand Mountain, ultimately creating a 124-square-mile system
of giant, free-moving, sand dunes.
Jericho
offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Of course the
most popular is riding ATV's. Jericho also offers fenced in sand
boxes for the kids. Hiking and wildlife viewing are also available
in the Rockwell Natural Area. This area is set aside as a
vehicle-free zone, this 9,000-acre unit is a miniature version of
the larger surrounding desert ecosystem. Mule deer and antelope, 15
species of birds, the Desert whipsnake, and 8 other species of
reptiles live here.
For
ATVer's Jericho is not just one type of riding. With nearly 60,000
acres of dunes, trails and sagebrush flats, you've got options -
plenty of them.
White
Sands Dunes: Easy access to dunes and plentiful riding bowls attract
all abilities to this spot on the north end of the recreation area.
Sand
Mountain: A wall of sand climbing nearly 700 feet high provides the
ultimate challenge to rider and machine. This is the prime-time
focal point for hill climbing.
Dunes
southwest of Black Mountain: Low-lying dunes provide good terrain
for beginners or for those who just want to get away from the
crowds.
Black
Mountain: A network of dirt trails up, over, and around this peak
offer excellent trail riding for just about any kind of off highway
vehicle.
Every
year several people that ride at Jericho are seriously injured or
killed in the dunes due to accidents. Always check for steep
drop-offs or other riders before powering over the crest of dunes.
If
you're under 18 years of age, helmets are the law. If older, why
tempt the law of averages?
Drinking
and driving don't mix. Your here to have a good time right? Go ride
for the day then when your ready for a cold one be ready to kick it
in camp.
State
law require flags to be used when riding in sand dune areas. Check
your flag if it's wore out buy a new one. Remember these flags are
so other people won't land on you.
Remember,
watch out for pedestrians and children playing in the dunes.
Families come to enjoy this area also. 
Camping
is available throughout the park. Please follow "Leave No
Trace" camping techniques to preserve the beauty of the area.
Improve camping is available at:
1
White Sands: 99 campsites, flush toilets, drinking water and fenced
in play area for the kids.
2
Oasis: The most developed site in the park. Paved pads for trailers
and motor homes combined with ready access to the dunes makes this a
popular site with families. 144 campsites, flush toilets, RV dump
station and drinking water.
3
Jericho: Originally designed as a fenced picnic-area, Jericho
serves as an overflow camping area. Good area for large groups.
Paved parking access, 41 picnic tables with shade ramadas, flush
toilets, drinking water, amphitheater and fenced in play area for
the kids.
4
Sand Mountain: Primitive camping area. This place rocks during
popular holiday weekends. 3 paved parking loops, vault toilets,
drinking water and tent spaces. How
To Get There The
entrance road to Little Sahara is 4 miles west of Jericho Junction. From
Nephi travel west 31 miles via SR 132 and Juab County Route 1812. From
Eureka travel south 18 miles on US 6. From
Delta travel north 34 miles on US 6 Contacts Visitor
Center: (435)433-5961 Weather
Info:(435)433-5960
|
