REDLAKE WILDERNESS STUDY AREA
Values
The WSA provides opportunities for experiencing naturalness, solitude, and primitive and unconfined recreation. Rolling brush covered hills and stabilized dunes border the flat dry lake bed of Red Lake in the northern part of the area. The wide open character of the landscape gives a sense of immensity and isolation. The Killpecker Sand Dunes traverse the WSA from west to east. The WSA includes a remnant of the Red Desert area of the Great Divide Basin. This region may be of significant scientific value for the study of active sand dunes.
Visitation Information
Raptors, wild horses, antelope, coyotes and a variety of small mammals challenge the wildlife photographer. Hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding, hunting and sightseeing for botanical, zoological, geological and archaeological features are other experiences available to the visitor. However, because the area mainly consists of a large sand dune, campsite and water are limited and thus limit the scope and quality of these opportunities.
Interstate 80 east to county road 4-21. In 26 miles the county road will be a concordant boundary between East Sand Dunes and Red Lake WSAs. Motorized travel is expressly prohibited. Additionally, the WSA is closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.
Visitor Advisory
Access to wild lands inherently requires good navigational skills and four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions. The WSAs in the BLM Field Office are primarily accessed by unnamed or unsigned two-track roads that in many cases may be difficult to find without sufficient navigational skills and equipment.
Wilderness Study Areas
WSAs are undeveloped federal lands that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, and are managed so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Backcountry recreation is a common use along with Leave no Trace Outdoor ethics. Please be advised these areas are restricted and do not allow for the use of motorized and mechanized equipment.