Sands Canyon ATV

The Sands Canyon Trail, FS 4217, is designated for travel by vehicles 50” or less in width. Travel on this trail is permitted from May 22 through September 7 inclusive, to protect a band of bighorn sheep in the area. The northern trailhead for this trail is the natural extension of RD 214 out of the Pahsimeroi Valley. Traveling south, the trail follows an old logging road for about 3 miles to its summit at 8,800 feet. This portion of the trail has a very stable tread and mild grades. It passes through a very pretty stand of fir trees that has been selectively logged and has an open understory that enhances the view of the terrain. Really pretty mountain scenery. After passing through its summit, the trail descends, breaking out of the timber into more open country. Towards its lower end, the trail steepens considerably, and there are some long rocky grades and switchback turns. The trailhead, at the end of BLM 12102, is gated. For simplicity, a short segment of RD 214 has been included in this track.