Although they have been a million years in the making, the sand dunes west of St. Anthony, ID, have become a hotspot for all sorts of off-road vehicles in recent years. An area that is about five miles wide and 35 miles long has become one gigantic motorized sandbox. And all it takes is a gentle wind to keep it fresh.
Almost 11,000 acres of white quartz sand that is constantly shifting and moving amongst the rolling foothills in eastern Idaho make up the St. Anthony Sand Dunes Recreation Area. This vast sandy landscape has an interesting mix of sagebrush and dunes that has created some unique geographic features that offer hillclimbing, jumping, touring and trail riding.
The locals just call it the "dunes." And within this motorized playground there are unique and distinct areas-such as Choke Cherry, Thunder Mountain, Dead Horse Bowl and Devil's Dunes-that draw huge crowds to watch motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides and sand rails blast over the sand, up the hills and launch off the ridges.
The elevation at Egin Lakes Access Recreation Site is about 5,000 feet. From there, some of the dunes will climb more than 400 feet high, providing for some sensational hillclimb opportunities.
A Little Of Everything
The "dunes" offer something for everyone. For those who want to put miles on their bike, ATV or side-by-side, you can spin sand all day long or explore some of the trails around the outskirts through the sagebrush. For those who like elevation and steepness, you can be tempted to head west to the sand mountains . or you can take advantage of the perfect jumping terrain just west of Egin Lakes where the hills aren't as big but offer more tabletop launches, gap jumps, etc. (Actually, you can find this kind of terrain scattered throughout the dunes . so it just depends on where you want to go.) Or you can go to the big hills, pick a good vantage point and watch some impressive machines do crazy stuff in some extreme terrain.
The biggest dunes and main attractions are to the west of Egin Lakes Access. The smaller dunes are to the east. And for those who just like mingling around the area, Egin Lakes has become a popular spot just to play in the water.
During the three main summer holidays the area is packed. Camping areas and parking lots fill early and quickly. Locals tend to ride weekdays to avoid the crowds. But even on the busiest of weekends, there's still a whole lot of area where riders can disperse and enjoy the solitude or head to the main attractions and be part of a huge group.
The best riding is from April through October. A big chunk of the area is closed during the winter and early spring for wildlife management. The dunes are patrolled by local law enforcement, who are helpful and easy to get along with as long as you abide by the rules.
Attractions
One of the most popular areas-Thunder Mountain-is the first main attraction after you leave Egin Lake. Known to the locals as "Crapo's Hill," this is where the racing and climbing begins.
This tall dune is challenging, yet very climbable. It's a perfect tune-up for Choke Cherry (the ultimate climbing dune). Close to the parking lot, off-road enthusiasts can get their first taste of how their machines are running. Some units are modded to the max with paddle tires, etc., to scream up the long steep sand mountains. These guys are all about the hillclimb . and will spend all day in one place. Others ride stock machines and push their vehicles to their limits.
Once tuned and performing, the hardcore climbers will head back to Choke Cherry, about six miles west of Egin Lakes. Again, this is where the hardcore rider gets serious about riding. It's steep, long and the competition is usually pretty healthy.
It's very common to have a crowd of off-road enthusiasts parked at the bottom of Choke Cherry while the young guns (and even old guns who act young) rip it up the steep slopes.
Choke Cherry is located between the Devil's Dune (another steep 300-foot climb on the very west end) and Dead Horse Bowl (not as steep and a little off the beaten path). It's where legends are made . and then usually carted off by search and rescue to the local hospital.
There are a lot of unique vehicles playing on the sand. The sand rails tend to do just a little of everything on the dunes-climbing, touring, etc. The bikers like jumping, but many will also take advantage of the trails through the sagebrush for longer excursions. The ATVs will both climb and jump . and some will just see where they can go.
The key here is to pay attention to what's happening around you. Often, those who are at the dunes for the first time will wander into a landing zone of the jumpers so you have to be aware of others and where they're playing. When everyone pays attention, the various types of riding activities tend to blend together in one perfect motorized harmony.
Remember, however, that with the amount of usage, it's wise to wear the appropriate safety gear . and keep the adult beverages stored on ice until after the ride.
There are two popular trails that encompass the dunes. The South Trail runs the length of the dunes from east to west on the south side and is the main route out to Choke Cherry. But you can loop back on the North Trail. The total loop would be 15-20 miles . with other off-shoot trails available. Although the trails aren't signed (except for the closed areas), they are fairly obvious. Many of the trails are on the north side through sage brush.
Accommodations
There are three major access points that offer overnight camping facilities: Egin Lakes, Sand Hills Resort and Idaho Dunes RV Park (formerly the Desert Oasis RV Park). Here you can find a variety of camp sites, including some with power and water. And you can bet these sites will be packed full on the summer's three major holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.
The Egin Lakes campground offers 48 campsites, including 28 electrical unites. There are also day-use facilities. The developed camping sites are designed to accommodate various lengths of RVs. There are also restroom facilities and a free RV dump facility. The campground is open April 1 through Oct. 31.
The Sand Hills Resort is located on the east end of the dunes and the Idaho Dunes RV Park is in between. There are also motels available in both Rexburg and St. Anthony.
There are also ATV rentals available in the area. All services are located in Rexburg or St. Anthony. There is a small store at both Egin Lakes and Sand Hills Resort where you can buy drinks and some food, plus flags for your ORVs.
Directions
The St. Anthony Dunes are located about 50 miles north of Idaho Falls, ID. If you are heading north from Idaho Falls, take Highway 20 to exit 337 just north of Rexburg and head north. Go about six miles and then turn west at the flashing light. Go another three miles to the BLM Egin Lakes Access.
If coming from the north, take exit 345 at St. Anthony, head north off the exit ramp and turn west on 600 Road North (North Parker Road). Follow the signs to the dunes.
For more information, you can Google St. Anthony Sand Dunes and find several website links for additional information. There are some fees for camping and parking, along with state ORV stickers.
Some rules that are enforced at the camp sites include: quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., the use of firewood only in fire pits, beverage laws, ORV stickers, riders under 18 must wear helmets, posted speed limits in camp areas, some seasonal area closures, whip masts with red or orange flags that extend over 8 feet above ground level on all OHVs, etc.
For more information contact the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce (208-624-4870) or Rexburg Chamber of Commerce (208-356-5700). Or log on to www.blm.gov/id/st/en.html and navigate to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes section.
