Trapped in the rough-and-rugged desert of the Old West is a little known place some call “Singing Mountain.” However, most off-road riders know it better as Sand Mountain. It’s an OHV area and basically a colossal mountain of sand. The term Singing Mountain came from the noise created by the sand as it is shifted by the wind.
The Bureau Of Land Management says this sand originated from the Walker River and was moved by the wind some 4,000 years ago as a large inland lake retreated. Roughly 30 miles from the river, those wind blown sand particles were cut off by a large basin near the Stillwater Range. The sand fell here and, over time, created the enormous sand pile, what is now known as Sand Mountain.
Located about 400 miles north of Las Vegas on route 95, the journey to Sand Route Mountain takes you right into the history books with trips through old mining towns, ghost towns, casinos and saloons.
Sand Mountain itself is roughly two miles long. However, at its peak it’s pushing 600 feet! It is purely amazing how a single dune can rise so far above the camping area at its base. The front side of Sand Mountain has tall, steep faces to climb, and is where Competition Hill is located. It’s kept very busy with hill climb drag racing. Riders go up and down the slope constantly, trying to stake claim to being the fastest up the mountain.
The backside is much more peaceful and playful. It is made up of bowls, and a few trail systems that include BLM markers. There are kid tracks near the camping area. Smaller dunes on the west side are perfect for less experienced riders.
The sand here is soft and powder like. Even after a nice rain the night before, the sand dries out quickly to make for easy carving of the bowls and shredding of the steep faces. Knobbies will work with low tire pressure, however, paddle tires provide the most traction and floatation over the sand. Plus, if you’re going to head straight up Comp Hill as fast as you can, paddle tires are mandatory!
Karl Krempp/
ATV Sport
Our Trip The trip from Laughlin, Nev., took roughly eight hours and covered 500 miles. Thankfully the scenery helped pass the time. This trip was the first time my wife and I camped together since we were married about a year ago.
We pulled into camp at around 9 p.m. Friday; it was pitch black except for the glow of campfires and the erratic lights from quads and buggies roosting in the sand.
I could hardly sleep and was up before sunrise to put down my first tracks on Sand Mountain. Cold and peaceful, I was the only one up and had the mountain to myself. However, other early birds quickly joined me, and Saturday was kicked off with some great riding that would seemingly never stop.
Karl Krempp/
ATV Sport
Raptors and Banshees outnumbered all others, but there were a few older couples on two-up Can-Ams cruising at a comfortable speed. UTVs, like Rhinos and Rangers, made their presence known here as well. Another guy took me back in time as he blasted past the Banshees on an old three-wheeler. Then, the OHV?history lesson continued as I spotted a Honda Pilot.
I cannot wait to go back. Plus, my wife, who swore she would never ride one of those “dangerous” machines, couldn’t seem to wipe the smile from her face. I think she might have ridden my quad more than I did.
Things To Know As for all of the extras about Sand Mountain, there is a $40 weekly fee when entering the camping area. An annual $90 fee (good from October 1 to Sept. 30 of the following year) is also available. The fees keep the road grated, and maintain the ride area. The camping facilities are primitive without running water, but cleaner than just about any gas station restroom in the country.
Karl Krempp/
ATV Sport
Every riding vehicle must have a whip flag and spark arrestor. Visitors can’t burn pallets or magnesium and glass containers are prohibited.
The mercury in the thermometer is constantly more than 110 degrees during the summer, so you should avoid Sand Mountain then. The mid-winter months can be cold and wet.
Getting There! Signs to this off-roading oasis are posted on Nevada Route 50 roughly about a quarter mile before the entrance road. If you’re traveling during the day, look for the giant mountain of sand on the east side of the road.
