Sandilands Provincial Forest — Moose Lake Road to Marchand Wilderness Loop
Deep sand, pine, and solitude two hours from the city.
Most Winnipeg overlanders don’t realize there’s legitimate sand-based two-track country sitting 100 kilometres southeast of the city in the Sandilands Provincial Forest. The Moose Lake Road corridor off Highway 209 near Marchand threads through stands of Jack pine and trembling aspen growing out of deep glaciolacustrine sand deposits — the kind that’ll suck a street-tired SUV right to the frame. The old logging spurs branching west toward the Marchand Creek drainage are the real find: narrow, overgrown tracks through thick bush that dead-end at creek crossings or cutblock clearings with fire pit rings left by hunters and trappers.
Sand is the dominant challenge here — deep, loose, and unforgiving for anything without aired-down all-terrain tires and a vehicle capable of sustained momentum. This isn’t a rock-crawler’s paradise; it’s a soft-roader’s nemesis and a prepared overlander’s playground. Air down to 18–20 psi before you leave the highway. Recovery gear is non-negotiable — getting stuck alone out here is a real possibility. No formal campgrounds on the loop; dispersed camping is common and tolerated. Best run late June through October. No permits required. Fuel and supplies in Steinbach before departure.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 41 mi / 66 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 950 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with all-terrain tires |
| Nearest town | Steinbach, Manitoba |
| Land manager | Manitoba Forestry — Sandilands Provincial Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | gov.mb.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock truck or SUV with factory all-terrain tires handle this trail?
A stock 4WD with all-terrain tires can complete the loop, but the deep sand sections will punish street tires and likely bog a 2WD. Airing down to 18-22 PSI is not optional here — it's how you get through without digging yourself a hole.
When does the trail typically open and close each year?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring runoff and mud can make the sandy sections a soupy mess into late May, and snow can hit as early as October in this part of Manitoba. Check conditions locally — Steinbach is your last real intel stop before you head in.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp in Sandilands Provincial Forest?
No permit is required to drive the trail or use dispersed campsites in the provincial forest. Manitoba Forestry manages the area, so follow standard Crown land rules — pack out everything, no open fires during burn bans, and don't cut live trees.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what makes it technical?
The deep sand two-tracks near the Marchand end of the loop are where most rigs get into trouble. Loose, dry sand with no firm base means momentum is your friend — stop here and you may be digging or winching. It's not rock-crawling technical, it's sand-driving technical, which catches a lot of people off guard.
How far out is the nearest gas, and is there reliable water on the trail?
Steinbach is your last guaranteed fuel stop — fuel up there, because there's nothing useful between town and the trailhead. Water crossings exist on the route, but treat anything you pull from them; bring your own supply for drinking and cooking.
Trail track
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