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 north of Delta, Utah
. It is managed by the U.S.
Department of
the Interior
Bureau of Land
Management. A 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.
Little Sahara Sand Dunes
Little Sahara Sand Dunes from 20,000
feet
Geology
The Little Sahara sand dunes are remnants of a large river delta
formed by the
Sevier River from about
12,500 to 20,000 years ago. The river emptied into ancient Lake
Bonneville near the present day mouth of
Leamington Canyon. 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.
The sand consist of
quartz grains, with minor
amounts of
feldspar,
biotite,
calcite,
garnet and
magnetite.
Recreation
Spring Break 2004 at the Sand Mountain
camping area
Little Sahara is one of the most popular locations in the state for
ATV riding. Riders can enjoy riding on of sand dunes, trails and
sage brush flats.
Sand
Mountain's 700-800 foot (210 m-245 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.
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.
See also
References
External links
Wikis
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