Little Sahara Recreation Area
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Little Sahara Recreation Area | |
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| Location: | Utah, USA |
| Nearest city: | Eureka, Utah |
| Coordinates: | |
| Area: | 220 square miles 570 km² |
| Governing body: | Bureau of Land Management |
The Little Sahara Recreation Area in Utah is a large area of sand dunes, hills and sagebrush flats located in the west central part of the state approximately 30 miles (50 km) north of Delta, Utah. It is managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. A 9000 acre (36 km²) portion of the northwest corner of the facility has been designated as The Rockwell Natural Area and is off limits to vehicles to preserve and shelter desert plants and animals.
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[edit] Geology
The Little Sahara sand dunes are remnants of a large river delta formed by the Sevier River emptying into Lake Bonneville near the present day mouth of Leamington Canyon from about 12,500 to 20,000 years ago. After Lake Bonneville receded, winds transported the sand from the river delta to the current location. The dunes are still moving 5 to 9 feet (1.5 to 3 m) per year and consist of quartz grains, minor amounts of feldspar, biotite, calcite, garnet and magnetite.
[edit] Recreation
Little Sahara is one of the most popular locations in the state for ATV riding. Riders can enjoy riding on 60,000 acres (240 km²) of sand dunes, trails and sage brush flats. Sand Mountain's 700 foot (210 m) wall of sand challenges experienced riders and the most capable machines. Visitors can also enjoy camping, hiking and two of the world's biggest sand boxes which are areas of the dunes fenced off from vehicle and horseback riders. Though there are many campsites excellent for tent camping use of recreational vehicles and camp trailers is very popular. The area sees the highest number of visitors over holiday weekends from spring to fall.
[edit] Wildlife
The area is home to typical Great Basin desert wildlife including mule deer, pronghorn antelope, snakes, lizards and birds of prey. Great horned owls make their home among juniper trees in the Rockwell Natural Area.
[edit] References
- "Sand Dunes at Little Sahara Recreation Area" Utah Geological Survey Web Site. Retrieved Jan. 21, 2006.
- "Little Sahara Recreation Area" Bureau of Land Management Web Site. Retrieved Jan. 21, 2006.
