Back Way to North Sand Hills

Total Miles 23.8
Technical Rating
4 Moderate
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Avoid the paved road to Walden on this fun back way to North Sand Hills. There are camping sites along the trail, and a good number of side roads to play on. The Old Roach Area is part of the Roosevelt National Forest and is open year-round.

Photos of Back Way to North Sand Hills

Difficulty

Moderate. Most of this route is easy, but F.S. 200 can become a quagmire when wet. The final 3-mile descent to the dunes is narrow, rocky and rough in places. Sandy roads at the bottom near the creek are prone to washouts and difficult conditions are possible here. Carry a tree saw or chain saw as fallen trees are everywhere and sometimes block the trail.

Technical Rating

4

Status Reports

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Nicholas Anderson
Oct 26, 2025
Open
very rocky sections and steep off camber switchback section at the end.
James LeCloux
Aug 26, 2025
Open
Started in the sand dunes with a steep sand drop to the creek bottom (hard). Proceed up a steep, rocky climb with several switch backs. Trail was easier several miles in. Im not sure I would have made the sand hill climb if entering from the east?
brady trullinger
May 24, 2025
Open
some decent snow at the top but with a running start and a good 4x4 you can make it though.
Turbo Reynolds
May 10, 2025
Open
Half way up deep snow
Josh sannes
Apr 26, 2025
Open
mostly clear untill the top of the mountain, some very deep snow drifts, had to cut a couple downed trees as well.
Bob G
Oct 13, 2024
Open
Rocky dusty NOT a place for a 30’ trailer like we were told would be fine no problem
Kade S.
Oct 13, 2024
Open
Great trail. Would not hit it without high clearance, 4wd, and low range. Great views. The last section before the sand dunes is super steep, rocky, and sketchy. We went in a lifted Trailblazer with oversized LT tires and it did pretty well.
Matt H
Aug 10, 2024
Open
Erick Topken
Jun 29, 2024
Open
Most of the trail is a well groomed road, it gets more difficult and rougher as you go. I wouldn’t call it a “4” until you make the turn on to Little Government Creek Rd. From there on its narrow steep and rocky. Lots of side by sides ATVs and dirt bikes.
Zachery Paul
Jun 22, 2024
Open
Kevin Starks
Jun 09, 2024
Open
Came in from Hohnholts Lake TH, tail was clear from East to West.
Cannon L
Apr 06, 2024
Open
Patchy snow up until the Grace Creek gate. Heavy snow past then.
Pam Charles
Sep 02, 2023
Open
Daniel P
Jun 24, 2023
Open

Back Way to North Sand Hills Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Back Way to North Sand Hills Map

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