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Winnemucca Sand Dunes

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Trail Map

Other Names

Winnemucca Dunes, Sand Pass Rd, Crescent Dunes, Sombrero Peak

Last Known Status

Open

Dune riding enthusiasts will like this free, open area with a series of dune 'islands' and connecting sandy trails. There are no services and no shade and the largest dunes top out at only about 100 feet, but the area does see some action on weekends and holidays, and the staging/camping area off Hwy 95 can actually get busy.

The dunes themselves however are vast and extend much farther west than it first appears. The main camping area is located right off of Hwy 95 but you can also access from Sand Pass Road.

OHV Area Map... Nearby ATV OHV Areas...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	Yes	NVOHV sticker required
Dates Open	Year-Round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Yes	Nevada registration is not required if the vehicle is already registered in another state and will be located in Nevada for no more than 15 days.
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes (96 dB)
Whip Flags	Yes (96 inches)	Whip Flags Required For Safety
Maximum Vehicle Width	No Restriction
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted
ATVs	Permitted
UTV & SXS	Permitted
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Permitted
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction
Camping	No Restriction	(camp anywhere)
Campfires	No Restriction
Night Riding	Yes
Trail Blazing	Prohibited	keep on designated trails
Alcohol	No Restriction
Rule Enforcement	Few/Periodic

TERRAIN

Approx Size	38,400 acres (60 sq mi)
Miles Of Trail	2
Climate Type	Desert
Elevation	4200 to 4500 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Not Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	None
Hard Pack	None
Sand	Mostly	paddle or sand tire recommended for best experience ordinarily, but it is firm with many rocks in some sections
Mud	None
Dust	Little
Rocks	Little
Trees	None
Steep Hills	None
Water Crossings	None
Small Jumps	Many
Large Jumps	Few
Berms	Few
Sand/Gravel Pits	None
Single Track	None
Roads	Few
Intersections	All
Rider Traffic	Some
Shade	None
Ranges/Gunfire	None
Hazards	Few	(hazards not marked) Dune Dropoffs
Novice	Mostly
Amateur	Little
Expert	None
Comment	small patches of dunes seperated by sagebrush, there are no tall dunes

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails, Off-Road Dunes

Land

BLM

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	5-20 Miles (S)	Flying J Travel Plaza (775) 623-0111
Diesel	5-20 Miles (S)	Flying J Travel Plaza (775) 623-0111
Water	5-20 Miles (SE)	Winnemucca RV Park (775) 623-4458
RV Hookup	5-20 Miles (SE)	Winnemucca RV Park (775) 623-4458
RV Disposal	5-20 Miles (SE)	Winnemucca RV Park (775) 623-4458
Campground	On Site
Conv Store	5-20 Miles (S)	Riverside Grocery (775) 625-3900

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Pros	free, not very crowded, primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere, dunes are perfect for a beginner/family
Cons	no tall or challenging dunes, no shade or site amenities, area is small
Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Winnemucca, NV

Trail Map

From: Winnemucca, NV
1) Take Hwy 95 north about 7.5 miles toward McRae Road
2) Continue past McRae Road a few hundred yards
3) Turn left at the next turnoff and cross the cattleguard
4) Stage here or continue further toward a large parking area.