White Wash Sand Dunes

White Wash Sand Dunes offers a completely different offroad experience from the slickrock and canyon trails that define the greater Moab region. Located 48 miles northwest of Moab and 25 miles southeast of Green River along Interstate 70, this approximately 1,400-acre BLM-managed open riding area combines freestyle sand dune riding with designated trail systems, slickrock playgrounds, and a landscape that is visually unlike anything else in southern Utah. The area is accessed from I-70 at Ranch Exit 173, then 12 miles south on Floy Wash Road, making it a convenient stop for riders traveling through the region or looking for a change of pace from Moab's technical rock trails.

The centerpiece of White Wash is an open dune field where riders can explore freely within the fenced boundary. These sand dunes are not the largest in Utah, but they possess a distinctive character that sets them apart from any other dune system in the state. Cottonwood trees grow directly out of the sand, their roots anchored in the dunes while tapping underground water that flows slowly downhill beneath the surface. This creates a surreal and photogenic landscape where tall green trees rise from golden sand hills, a combination so visually striking that it has attracted film crews to use the location as a movie set in recent years. The soft, steep downwind faces of the dunes can be deceiving, and riders should exercise caution as it is easy to get stuck or roll if caught sideways on a steep slope.

Beyond the open dune area, White Wash offers an extensive network of designated roads and trails that fan out across the surrounding desert. These range from fast, open desert riding on doubletrack roads to technical singletrack routes that hop up and down ledges and wind along cliff edges. Mary's Slickrock Trail is the standout technical route, covering 4.6 miles through a portion of the Entrada Sandstone domes southeast of the dunes. Approximately 3.5 miles of this trail traverse exposed slickrock, offering an expert-level riding experience through the same geological formation that creates the famous arches in Arches National Park. Additional trails like the Dead Cow Wash Loop and Dee Pass Loop provide intermediate riding through varied terrain.

The geology at White Wash tells a fascinating story across multiple eras. Riders cross the colorful clays of the late-Jurassic Morrison Formation, famous for dinosaur fossils at other locations, before descending to the edge of the Entrada Sandstone where free rock-roaming playgrounds await at the base of dramatic cliffs. Views from elevated points in the trail system extend to the subvolcanic La Sal Mountains, the massive Book Cliffs escarpment, and the distant Uncompahgre Plateau, providing a panoramic backdrop to every ride.

White Wash accommodates UTVs, ATVs, and dirt bikes within the open dune area, with cross-country motorized travel restricted to the fenced boundaries. All riding outside the open area must stay on designated routes. Primitive camping is available throughout the area, and the remote desert setting means you can often have large sections of the dunes and trail system entirely to yourself, especially on weekdays and outside of peak season.

The riding season runs from March through November, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable temperatures for the open desert environment. Summer heat can be intense with no natural shade except among the cottonwood groves in the dune area. Winter riding is possible on mild days but cold temperatures and occasional snow can limit access on the dirt approach road.

White Wash Sand Dunes offers a versatile and uncrowded alternative to the main Moab trail network. The combination of open dune riding, technical slickrock trails, and scenic desert exploration in a single compact area makes it an appealing destination for riders who want to experience the full spectrum of Utah's offroad terrain without the crowds that flock to Moab's signature trails.