Guides/OHV areas
OHV area10,600 acresOpen dune riding across 10,600 acres trail midifficulty: difficult

St. Anthony Sand Dunes

AgencyBureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
St. Anthony Sand Dunes — ohv area near St. Anthony, Idaho
BLM Idaho
Area vitals8 facts
Size
10,600acres
Trail miles
Open dune riding across 10,600 acres
Technical difficulty
Difficult
Vehicle classes
ATV, UTV / Side-by-side, Motorcycle / Dirt bike, 4WD truck/SUV, Sand rail / Dune buggy
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Permit
Required
Fees
No site fee for general OHV use; some private resort access points charge.
Cell coverage
Reliable on the staging-area edges; spotty in the dune interior.
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St. Anthony Sand Dunes is a 10,600-acre BLM dune complex on the upper Snake River Plain, 50 miles north of Idaho Falls and immediately north of the small town of St. Anthony. The dunes are white quartz sand reaching 400 feet on the north and northwest faces, with rolling beginner-friendly bowls on the south end. The Bureau of Land Management's Upper Snake Field Office manages the recreation area; several private resorts on the dunes' edges charge their own access fees.

The area is mid-sized by Western dune-area standards — bigger than Sand Mountain Nevada, smaller than Little Sahara or Imperial Sand Dunes — but holds one of the largest wintering elk herds in the United States, with around 2,500 elk plus mule deer and moose using the surrounding rangeland from December through April. The dunes are a wilderness study area, meaning use is managed conservatively.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter wildlife closure. The dunes close to OHV use roughly December-March for wintering elk and mule deer. Check current dates.
  • 400-foot dune steepness. The north and northwest faces are steep enough to flip stock vehicles.
  • Heat. Summer afternoons exceed 95°F.
  • Wind and dust. Afternoon winds raise heavy dust. Eye protection mandatory.
  • Whip-flag visibility. Dunes hide oncoming traffic. Whip flags required and enforced.
  • No services at the BLM staging area. Use perimeter resorts for water and hookups, or carry everything in.
  • Wildlife on the perimeter. Elk, deer, and moose are common at dawn and dusk on the surrounding rangeland.

Area map

OHV area

Coordinates 43.99390, -111.72360

Area facts

7 fields
AgencyBureau of Land Management
Nearest townSt. Anthony, Idaho
PermitIdaho OHV registration required. Out-of-state riders need an Idaho non-resident OHV permit. Helmets required for ATV and motorcycle operators under 18.
Agency contact208-524-7500 (BLM Upper Snake Field Office)
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/st-anthony-sand-dunes
ClosedJul, Aug
Coordinates43.99390, -111.72360

Getting there

Directions

The dunes sit 35 miles north of Idaho Falls.

From US-20 northbound: Take Exit 337 (North Rexburg). Turn left onto 1900 E (Salem Highway) and travel 6.3 miles north to the second flashing light. Turn left and continue 0.85 miles to the split in the road. Stay right, cross the railroad tracks, and continue on 500 N for 2.9 miles. At the Egin Lakes Access sign, turn right onto the paved access road.

From US-20 southbound: Take Exit 346 (Saint Anthony City Center). Turn right onto Bridge Street, continue through the stoplight to West 4th N. Turn left onto West 4th N, which becomes 600 N at the city limits. Follow 600 N for about 3 miles to Red Road. Turn left for Egin Lakes access, or right for parking and dispersed camping along Red Road.

Photos

9 photos

Photos · 9

Field notes

Getting Oriented

St. Anthony sits on US-20 between Rexburg and Ashton, with the dunes immediately north of town. The standard public BLM access is via Red Road (Forest Road 100) north of St. Anthony, with primitive dispersed camping. Several private resorts on the perimeter — Sand Hills, Egin Lakes, Saint Anthony Sand Hills Resort — provide alternate staging with hookups and amenities at private fees.

The Bureau of Land Management's Upper Snake Field Office in Idaho Falls manages the public-access portion. The dunes are a wilderness study area; the BLM's management plan limits some uses to protect wildlife winter range.

What to Expect

10,600 acres of open dune riding. The riding mix:

  • South-end bowls. Rolling 30-100 foot dunes for beginners and family riding.
  • Central dune fields. Larger 150-300 foot dunes with steeper faces.
  • North and northwest dunes. 400-foot dune walls — the area's expert hill climbs.

The dunes are smaller in absolute area than Imperial or Little Sahara but the height range is comparable. The site's distinguishing feature is the elk and mule deer herd that winters on the surrounding rangeland; the dunes themselves close to OHV use in winter to protect the wildlife.

Vehicle and Permit Rules

  • Idaho OHV registration required. Out-of-state riders need an Idaho non-resident OHV permit (purchase online).
  • Helmets required for ATV and motorcycle operators under 18; recommended for all.
  • Spark arresters required on all motorized vehicles.
  • Whip flags required on the dunes (8-foot whip with flag).
  • Stay on existing routes through sagebrush approaches; cross-country travel through native vegetation is prohibited.
  • Winter wildlife closure: the dunes typically close to OHV use December 1 through April 1 to protect wintering elk and mule deer. Confirm dates with the BLM before driving up.

Trailheads and Camping

  • Red Road (FR-100) staging area. Primary BLM public-access staging with primitive dispersed camping.
  • Egin Lakes day-use area. Lakes adjacent to the dunes, with picnic and beach access.
  • Private resorts on the perimeter. Sand Hills, Sand Hills Resort, and Egin Lakes Resort provide hookups and amenities at private fees.

Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land surrounding the dunes under the standard 14-day rule. Egin Lakes day-use is no overnight camping.

Where to Camp

Dispersed BLM camping is the public option — no developed sites, no water, no hookups. Several private resorts on the perimeter offer hookups, showers, and meals at private fees; these are the standard option for RV-based riders. Bear Gulch Campground and Henry's Lake State Park (both 30+ miles east on US-20) are the closest developed alternatives.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Confirm the wildlife closure dates before driving up. The dunes typically close December through March.
  • The reliable riding window is April-June and September-November. Summer is hot.
  • Whip flags are required on the dunes. Bring one or rent at the perimeter resorts.
  • Carry water. The BLM staging area has no potable water.
  • The 400-foot north-side dunes are steep. Stock vehicles flip on the upper faces.
  • Pair with Yellowstone (60 miles east via US-20) for a non-riding day.
  • Cell coverage drops in the dune interior. Bring an offline map.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is St. Anthony Sand Dunes?
St. Anthony Sand Dunes is rated difficult.
When is the best time to visit St. Anthony Sand Dunes?
The best months are Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Avoid Jul, Aug.
Do you need a permit for St. Anthony Sand Dunes?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by Bureau of Land Management — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at St. Anthony Sand Dunes?
Reliable on the staging-area edges; spotty in the dune interior.