by: Jon Crowley, Duneguide.com

Last issue we covered Nevada’s northern most sand dune – Winnemucca Dunes. This time, we are headed south towards Las Vegas to take a look at Amargosa Dunes. After Sand Mountain, the Amargosa Dunes are the second most popular sand dune in Nevada. The dunes are only 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, and more off-roaders are playing here as an alternative to the crowds at Dumont. The Amargosa Dunes are also known as Big Dune. The dunes cover about1.5 square miles, but off-road trails lead out from the dunes so bringing your dirt tires isn’t a bad idea. These dunes are home to some of the steepest hill climbs in Nevada that top out nearly 500 feet above the valley floor. There are many crescent-shaped and a few large star-type dunes at Amargosa create some nice half-bowls to rip around in. The dune field is not very extensive here, so often the steepest side of the dune drops all the way to the valley floor and off of pure sand. Big Dune Beetle: The dune is home to some rare beetle species and the Bureau of Land Management needs your help to keep these species off the Endangered Species List. The Big Dune Beetle is listed as a sensitive species and signs have been posted identifying the Big Dune Beetle habitat area. The beetle was proposed for listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1978 and the entire Big Dune Complex was proposed as critical habitat for the species. Off-road vehicle use was identified as the largest threat to the species at the time. Please do your part to keep Amargosa Dunes open by staying out of this Big Dune Beetle habitat area and on the designated trails in the area.

Directions:
The dunes are located north of Amargosa Valley, south of Beatty and west of Highway 95. From the south:
Drive 7.6 miles from the junction of Hwy 95 and Hwy 373. Turn left on Valley View and drive about two miles west. Turn right on a dirt road leading to the dunes (usually there are various arrows near the turn painted on the pavement). There aren’t any official signs until you get to the dunes.
Quick Facts
• Nearest town: Beatty, Nevada
• Busy Season: October to April
• Fees: None
• Elevation: 2435ft.
• Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
– Las Vegas Field Office
• Facilities: None
Rules
• 8ft. whip flags are required on all vehicles
riding in the dunes.
• Do not burn wood containing nails,
screws, or other metal hardware.
• Discharge any firearms, fireworks, or
projectiles are not allowed.
• Do not ride on vegetation. Stay on
bare sand.
• Stay out of Big Dune Beetle habitat.
•No trash collection: pack it out.
GPS Coordinates:
Valley View Rd. & Hwy 95:
N 36 40 842 / W 116 32 579
Turnoff to dunes from Valley View Rd:
N 36 38 923 / W 116 32 588
Valley View Camp:
N 36 38 749 / W 116 33 931
In the next issue, we’ll explore another
of Nevada’s sand dunes –
Clayton Valley Dunes.
For more information on Amargosa
Dunes, visit www.DuneGuide.com

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