Utah is a gorgeous dessert location in western USA. There is such a wide variety of activities and landscapes to explore you will never be bored. So if you don’t want to go on a hike, visit the local hot springs or explore the city life maybe some sand dunes are more for you! That’s right there are sand dunes, in Utah, that are so fun to explore. Little Sahara Recreational Area is such fun day trip from Salt Lake City and fun for friends, couples or families.
The park covers over 60,000 acres of dunes and flats. Much of the area is open to ATV riding however there is one 9,000 acre area that is reserved for wildlife preservation.
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How to Get to the Sand Dunes in Utah
The sand dunes are in the middle of nowhere Utah that is for sure. The only way to get there is by car. Because you will most likely lose service while driving to the sand dunes I recommend downloading the map to your phone ahead of time.
What to Do
ATV riding is the most popular activity here, and it is so fun! However, it is far from the only thing to do! There is also horseback riding, camping, hiking, mountain biking and so much more.
When it warms up a little I fully plan on going back to try sand sledding which sounds like such a fun family activity or date night experience.
Afterwards stay a little while and you can stargaze. Little Sahara is in a rural area with very little light pollution which makes it the perfect place to watch the stars come up and learn a few new constellations.
Little Sahara is also a popular place for photography. People come for bridals, engagements and family photos. The park is open 24 hours a day which makes it easy to get photos without people in them.
More To Do in Northern Utah:
- Adventurous Day Trips From Salt Lake City
- Swimming in the Great Salt Lake in Utah
- Guide to Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
Helpful Tips and Info
Entrance Fee: There is an entrance fee of $18 per vehicle. They also offer a annual pass for $60.
Hours: Little Sahara Recreational Area is open 24 hours a day all year long.
Address: 27020 W Sand Mountain Rd, Nephi, UT 84648
This address will take you to the visitors center where you can pay. Then you can enter and drive further into the park to find the actual sand dunes.
There aren’t many places with amenities nearby or within the park. I would recommend stopping at the entrance station if you need to use the restroom or grab extra water.
I would just like to note as well, it does snow here in the winter and gets very cold. This is not a desert that stays warm all year long.
Little Sahara Sand Dunes in Utah
You don’t have to travel to exotic locations like Morocco or Peru to experience sand dunes. Sometimes, just sometimes, all you have to do is look in your own backyard. Not only will this save you loads of money but you can still have a blast (Don’t get me wrong, those other places are still worth a visit one day!).
Finding the sand dunes in Utah is fun and easy and makes for a great day trip. Next time you have a free day make sure you check them out
