RIDING ZONE 03 · EAST SIDE
Black Mountain
Miles of traditional desert trail riding on dirt rather than sand, plus the beginner dunes BLM points first-timers toward.
- Difficulty
- IntermediateTraditional trail riding
- Surface
- DirtNot open sand
- Beginner area
- SW dunesBetween the peak and Oasis
- Best for
- Windy daysTrails beat open dunes in a blow
Two different areas, one name
Black Mountain covers two things worth separating. The trail network around the mountain offers miles of traditional OHV trail riding through rugged desert terrain: dirt riding, not dune riding. Southwest of the mountain, a set of low-lying dunes is what BLM specifically recommends for beginners: less crowded, lower consequence, and the right place to learn how a machine behaves in soft sand.
The beginner dunes
BLM directs new riders here rather than to the bigger dunes. Low-lying terrain and thinner crowds mean a mistake costs less, and there is no pressure from faster traffic behind you.
Spend the first session here before moving anyone up to White Sand Dunes. An hour learning throttle control and how soft sand loads a machine changes the rest of the weekend.
The trail network
For riders who prefer dirt to sand, the trails around Black Mountain are a genuine change of pace on a multi-day trip. They also solve a specific problem: when afternoon wind picks up and open dunes turn unpleasant, trails ride far better than exposed sand. Keep this zone in your back pocket as the windy-day fallback.
- Stay on designated roads and trails, because riding over vegetation is prohibited
- Rugged desert terrain, so tire and suspension damage is more likely than in soft sand
- Longer distances from camp mean carrying more water and tools
- Navigation matters more here than on open dunes; cell service is unreliable
Access
Oasis Campground is the most practical base for reaching this side, with 115 sites, paved RV pads, a dump station, and the easiest all-round access. Jericho works well for larger groups.
Zone descriptions are drawn from BLM's published guidance. Conditions, closures, and access change, so confirm with the BLM Little Sahara pages or call the Fillmore Field Office at 435-433-5960.