No tunneling
Building tunnels and digging deep pits in the sand is prohibited. Collapses are the reason.
LITTLE SAHARA GUIDE
Rules & prohibitions
The short version of what BLM requires and what it bans. These are enforced, and several exist because someone was seriously hurt.
Required
| Requirement | Detail | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Whip flag | Red or orange, at least 8 feet above level ground | All OHVs |
| Helmet | Properly fitted DOT helmet required | Riders under 18 on Type I ATVs and off-highway motorcycles |
| OHV registration sticker | Current Utah sticker displayed when operated or transported on public lands or roads | All OHVs |
| License plate | Required alongside the sticker since January 1, 2023 | All OHVs except motorcycles and snowmobiles |
| Non-resident permit | $35, valid 12 months, purchased online | Out-of-state machines |
| Education certificate | Utah-approved youth certificate under 18; approved adult certificate at 18 and older unless exempt. Adult online course is free; youth provider fees vary. | Operators on public land |
| Entry fee | $18 per vehicle per night, or a $120 annual pass | Every vehicle |
Operator age rules
| Age | May operate? | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Yes | Must reach and operate every control, carry a Utah-approved youth certificate, and remain under direct adult supervision |
| 18 and older | Yes | Must carry an approved Adult OHV Education Certificate unless an official exemption applies |
| Any age on a road | Only when eligible | Must also meet driver-license and street-legal vehicle requirements |
| Under 18 | n/a | Properly fitted DOT helmet required on Type I ATVs and off-highway motorcycles; recommended in UTVs and side-by-sides |
Prohibited
No firearms
Discharging firearms is prohibited within the recreation area.
No glass
Glass containers are prohibited because of injury risk in sand.
No pallets
Wooden pallets are prohibited and burning them is illegal. They leave nails and debris behind.
No large bonfires
Campfires are allowed with appropriate firewood. Large bonfires are not permitted.
No paintball
Paintball guns are not allowed in the recreation area.
No motors in play areas
The children's play areas are motor-free. Fences shift with the sand, so use extra caution near them.
No riding over vegetation
Stay on designated roads and trails. Avoid disturbing wildlife and vegetation.
No vehicles at Rockwell
The 9,000-acre Rockwell Wilderness Study Area is vehicle-free. Foot travel only.
Camping and stay
- Stay limit: 14 days
- Reservations: none exist, so all camping is first-come, first-served
- Dispersed camping: allowed outside developed campgrounds, away from established roadways
- Pets: allowed, and must be leashed in developed areas and areas with heavy traffic
- Trash: pack it in, pack it out. If the bins are full, take it home. Never leave trash in restrooms or piled around bins.
- Fires: glass and aluminum do not burn, so keep them out of fire rings
Riding under the influence
Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous on sand exactly as it is on pavement. BLM, the Juab County Sheriff's Office, and Utah Highway Patrol all patrol the recreation area, and staffing increases sharply on holiday weekends.
This is a summary, not the regulation
Rules change. Confirm current requirements with the BLM Recreate Safely page and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation before every trip.