Enter sand, man: We’re off to White Wash Sand Dunes
When most people think of sand dunes, they think of the Little Sahara Dunes out by Delta or the Coral Pink Sand Dunes by Kanab. There is another area of dunes that is not a vast sea of sand that makes the others so popular; it is a rash of dunes mixed with colorful slickrock.
The White Wash Sand Dunes are located off Interstate 70 in between Green River and the exit to Moab. Travel only 11 miles on a dirt road and you find yourself at a ridge overlooking an exciting view of slickrock and sand. Smaller sand dunes comingle with rolling slabs of slickrock. This is a great place for jeeps to play.
Usually a jeep without paddle tires will get stuck or have difficulties in the sand. The best part about the White Wash Sand Dunes is that there is solid rock not too far below the surface making deep sand easy to avoid. Unlike the traffic that you would find at the other dunes, we were the only ones there.
There are some other major differences between the White Wash Sand Dunes and the other major dunes that people should know about before they pack up and head out. The White Wash Sand Dunes are free; there isn’t an entrance fee to get into the dunes. They do not have facilities for you to use. Therefore, you have to bring your own method of waste disposal; burying your waste is not permissable. The White Wash Sand Dunes are much smaller than the other two dunes areas, but at the same time they don’t see nearly as much traffic.
Just before the entrance, to the Sand Dunes there is a large flat spot that makes for a perfect camping spot. During busier times of the year, there may be numerous RVs and tents stationed in this area while their occupants are playing down below. This would be my preferred place for camping in the area.
To get to the White Wash Sand Dunes, drive south on Interstate 15 to Spanish Fork and Highway 6. Take Highway 6 south to Green River. Leave Green River going East on Interstate 70. Get off on exit 175 and head south on a well-managed dirt road. There will be signs giving you directions to the Sand Dunes.
