Sand Mountain Recreation Area

This 4,800-acre BLM playground sits at 6,000 feet elevation, dominated by a massive sand mountain that literally sings when you ride it hard. The main dune rises 600 feet above the desert floor, with smaller satellite dunes scattered around the perimeter. Popular with the dirt bike and ATV crowd, especially on weekends — expect noise and dust clouds. No facilities except vault toilets and a small parking area. Dispersed camping allowed but no shade, water, or fire rings.

Access via Highway 50 then 5 miles of maintained gravel road — any vehicle can make it. Best avoided during summer heat waves when sand temps hit 150°F. Winter can dump snow that makes the access road impassable. Peak season is spring and fall when temperatures are tolerable and the sand isn’t trying to cook you alive.

Massive singing sand dunes for motorized recreation.