Winnemucca Dunes, NV
Winnemucca dunes are the larges field of dunes in the state of Nevada. They are located about 10 miles north/northeast of winnemucca nevada. The dunes do not reach a height of more than about 100 feet but expand to a distance of more than 40 miles. More than enough to lose your way in. The area is a mixture of trails and open dunes which are stabilized by a mixture of vegetation near the edge of the dune field. Active migration, however is occurring where the dunes cross U.S. Highway 95. The Nevada department of transportation removes sand drifts from the highway several times a year.
The main dunes are a checkerboard of blm land and privately owned land. The pacific railroad act of 1862 granted every other section or square mile of the area for a distance of 25 miles on both sides of the central pacific railroad the right of way to subsidize the building of the transcontinental railroad. The elevation there is 4400 feet.
Getting There:
From Reno, take highway 80 northeast for 167 miles to Winnemucca. Go north on highway 95 for approx. 10 miles. Look for a street called Mcrea rd. on the right. Pass Mcrea rd. and continue on the highway a few hundred yards more where you will take a left and cross over a cattle guard. Turn right. There are no signs to direct you from the highway.
All operators of off-highway vehicles must comply with Nevada laws and regulations when operating on public lands. All terrain vehicles (ATVs) operated on public lands must have a muffler, spark arrester and working headlights and taillights for nighttime use. Children under 16 operating off-highway vehicles must be supervised by an adult.
