Overview Of Nellis Dunes OHV Area
Open: Year Round
Latitude / Longitude: 36.307169, -114.95182
Usage: Heavy
Managed by: BLM
Fee: Free
Camping: No
Location: Southern Nevada (near Las Vegas)
Directions:
From Las Vegas
Travel I-15 North about 15 miles to State Route 604
Take Exit 58
Trailhead is to the right on Clark R. Petersen Blvd.
Las Vegas Sand Dunes
Apex OHV Sand Dunes
The Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area are also locally referred to as the Apex Dunes because they’re located at the Apex exit off the highway. They’re also sometimes simply called the Las Vegas Sand Dunes.
These dunes may be as close to a major city as you’re likely to find. They’re right outside North Las Vegas, just past Nellis Air Force Base and the Speedway.
This area was used for years by locals but finally achieved official status when Congress designated it for off roading in 2014. The total desert / dune region compasses 10,035 acres with OHV use allowed on 900 acres.
The riding terrain is primarily rolling dune hills and wide sand trails through the desert dunes. It’s not all soft sand, but rather a mix of hard packed dirt with loose dirt and sand.
There are no really large dune hills or the big bowls that most people associate with sand dunes, rather this is wide open desert.
It still offers a lot of great riding though, plus it’s close proximity to Las Vegas makes it an attractive destination.
Expect big crowds on weekends and three day holidays during the riding season of October through April. This area is way too hot for summer riding, basically May through September is hotter than hell.
BLM Website: Nellis Sand Dunes
Nevada OHV Commission: Nellis Dunes OHV Recreation Area
Nevada has four great sand dunes that are open to off roading: Crescent Sand Dunes in Tonopah, Big Dune in Amargosa, Sand Mountain in Fallon and the Winnemucca Dunes.
- Excellently located, practically in the city.
- Less than a 30 minute drive from the Strip to the dunes
- There are several ATV rental companies that rent ATVs for these dunes
Rules & Regulations
- All OHVs are required to be registered.
- Out of state vehicle registration is accepted and legal providing the OHV is in the state for less than 15 days.
- If your vehicle is licensed for on road travel, you do not need to purchase an OHV sticker for off road use.
- A spark arrestor is required
- Mufflers and noise limits are in effect
Nevada’s Rules Of The Road
- Any motorized vehicle which does not have the normal safety equipment such as lights and mirrors or is not built to federal vehicle standards is an off-highway vehicle and is restricted to off-highway use only. This includes all-terrain vehicles, pocket bikes, motorized scooters and snowmobiles.
- If a vehicle was manufactured and designated for “off-road” or “non-road” use only, it may not be driven on Nevada public streets or highways even if it has safety equipment. The designation for off-highway use is usually indicated in ownership documents, the owner’s manual or by a U.S. DOT label attached to the frame of the vehicle. Only two-wheeled motorcycles may be converted to on-road use. Other OHVs may not be converted.
- There are no driver license or minimum age requirements for OHVs operated off-highway in Nevada. City and county governments may designate small portions of public streets for access to or from off-road areas only and some age restrictions or other requirements may apply.
Nevada Off-Highway Vehicles Program
Nevada Trail Etiquette
- Motor vehicles are permitted on designated trails only.
- Always plan ahead and prepare for uncertainty. Travel with warm clothing, first aid, food, water and appropriate tools to fix a problem.
- Traveling in groups is always a good idea, as well as informing someone of where you will be going.
- Make sure your vehicle is equipped with a spark arrestor
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Trail Users
Featured Image SunBuggy Fun Rentals | Flickr