DUNE IT IN OKLAHOMA by Donnie Miller
Are you looking for adventure in whatever comes your way? Are you "Born to be Wild"? There is a place for you - a place where the spirit of the frontier still cries out, a place where the meek need not venture. Most importantly, this is a place where there is talk of fast-paced, wide-open, heart-throbbing, banshee- screaming sand duning. Could this be a place for you? It could be just the place for you. It certainly deserves a look-see if you enjoy off-roading via sand---and WHO doesn't? The place in question is known as Little Sahara State Park. It is located 3 miles south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma. It is nestled just 1 mile north of the bank of the Cimarron River. The park can be accessed from US highway 281 which runs along the eastern boundary of the park itself.
The Little Sahara boasts of 1520 acres of dunes that can be utilized 24 hours a day year round. The dune area of the park contains dunes which range from 25 to 75 feet high. Near the entrance area of the dunes, there are plenty of sand flats on which one can "let it rip". The larger dunes lie to the north and west of the entrance area. The largest dunes are known as "Buttercup" and "Competition Hill" and these two dunes are the hang-out for the adventurers and those who wish to watch the adventurers attempt to out-do each other.
The park certainly does not measure up to the vast expanse of dunes of Glamis or the Oregon coastal dunes, but it is unique in itself. The biggest attraction of the park is it's location. It is pretty much in the middle of the US and is therefore more convenient to visit for a larger number of people. Like the Oregon area, the Sahara has many scenic trails which traverse throughout the dune area. It offers a wide variety of riding conditions that can be enjoyed by the novice as well as the pros.
The region also has a relatively mild climate. Unlike the Oregon area, once you have made camp you are set for the duration of your stay. At times, Northwest Oklahoma can be quite windy (especially in the months of March, late July and August) and some dunes can become bowled and razorbacked. Care should be taken when approaching dune tops. One can even encounter very sharp drops in areas that seem to be mostly flats. Along the southern and western dune area, one will encounter some fairly heavy timber comprised mostly of cottonwoods. Some trails weave in and out of timber and caution should be taken in these areas to avoid head-ons and, uhum, tree-ons. The best way to ride at this park is to take it easy at first until a feel for the terrain is achieved.
To the south and west of the park lies the Cimarron River Valley. The valley is bordered by the Glass Mountains which provides a striking contrast to the area. The hills generally are shrouded in haze which makes them appear blue. Extending from the north and east of the dune area lies an endless prairie of gently rounded hills covered with sage brush and native grasses.
The valley and prairie area are home to a wide variety of wild game. Do not be surprised to witness a covey rise or a deer springing out from the brush when riding along one of the many trails which meander between open dune areas.
Will Rogers once said of Oklahoma's weather, "If you don't like it, stick around a minute, it will change". Like Mark Twain, old Will told the truth mainly, but on occasion he stretched it a bit. The weather can change quite rapidly in Oklahoma but mostly in the spring and winter. In the spring, the weather can turn about quite abruptly but you usually have a warning before-hand, and unfortunately, it comes in the form of severe thunder storms. Oklahoma is known as tornado alley. Like those of you in California who have learned to live with quakes, Oklahomans have learned to take storms in stride as well. We have the advantage of being forewarned. When at Little Sahara and the skies look threatening, tune to K-101 FM Woodward OK, for fast and accurate weather information. In the winter months, there may be several very nice days and, without advance signs, a blue northern rolls down the eastern slope of the rockies. It becomes quite cold for a day or two and then it warms up again until the next arrival of a Canadian air mass. January and February are the two coldest months.
In July and August the temperature can on occasion climb up to the high 90's and low 100's and of course the temperature on the sand is unbearable. Most of those who venture to the park in the heat of the summer run mostly at night. The park has a large beacon at the entrance of the park to help the night riders find the way home in the dark.
Because of the altitude and the climatic conditions, (similar to those found in some parts of Africa) western Oklahoma can have some spectacular sunsets. It may be worth your while to pack your 35mm and fire a few shots along about sundown. As in any sand environment, take a few extra precautions with your photo gear.
The best time to visit the park is from April through late June and from mid September through November. The fall season Woud probably be the better of the two if one had to choose. The fall faliage can be quite beautiful as well.
GENERAL WEATHER DATA
AVERAGE WIND SPEED 12.5 MPH
AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL
MONTH....................TEMPERATURE....................PRECIPITATION JAN.......................35.26..............................0.60
FEB.......................40.46..............................0.98
MARCH.....................48.80............................1.63
APRIL.....................60.30............................2.18
MAY .....................69.10............................4.44
JUNE....................78.50............................ 3.75
JULY.................... 83.50........................... 2.55
AUG..................... 82.10........................... 2.70
SEP.....................73.40...............................2.50
OCT.....................62.20........................... 1.71
NOV................... 47.90............................ 1.28
DEC.....................38.60.............................0 .77
The camping area of the park is comprised of two main campgrounds. The south campground is open all year and has facilities for trailers and campers. Within this area are 40 semi-modern RV sites, with picnic tables, showers, water and electrical hookups available.
The park also offers three reservable & sheltered picnic areas.
Dune access fee $ 6.00 per day
Tent $ 6.00 per night
RV hook up $11.00 per night
The park has its own rescue vehicle and has been put to good use. The closest hospital is about 25 to 30 minutes from the park. The City of Waynoka has one of the best rated EMT and ambulance services in the State of Oklahoma.
Located near and accessible from the park is B&S Buggy Shop and the Oasis convince store. These are the only private business in the immediate vicinity of the park.
Miller' Cafe is the only full service restaurant featuring a large menu. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Lite-Nite and the Jiffy Trip are convenience that are also located in Waynoka.Oklahoma Motorcycle Supply, like B&S Buggy Shop, offers parts and repair service. Oklahoma Motorcycle Supply focuses primarily on 3 and 4 wheel service where as B&S is more geared to the Buggy Business. Both offer welding and yes, they both have very good mechanics. OMS is located downtown Waynoka and has a parts shack next to B&S.
Park Office.......................................................................580-824-1471
B&S BUGGY SHOP........................................................... 580-824-0831
OKLAHOMA MOTORCYCLE SUPPLY......................... 580-824-3151
THE OASIS..................................................................... 580-824-3681
MILLER'S CAFE............................................................ 580-824-6221
WAYNOKA 66................................................................. 580-824-4041
C&D Transmissions.........................................................580-824-0403
WAYNOKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE....................... 580-824-4741
WAYNOKA AMBULANCE............................................. 580-824-2261
AFTER 5 P.M................................................................ 580-824-2061
The biggest weekends at the park are: Labor Day, Memorial Day, Easter and probably the biggest of all is SNAKE HUNT WEEKEND which falls on the first weekend after Easter.(see October 92 issue of 3&4 Wheel Action.) If you plan to visit on any of these weekends, be sure to arrive early in the week to get a decent camping spot. The park has never turned any riders away, but camping is limited on big weekends.
The dunes of the Little Sahara emulates "The Spirit of Oklahoma" and cries out to those of you who love to live life as it is meant to be. Even if you have conquered the dunes of Glamis, enjoyed the beauty of Silver Lake, marveled at the sands of Oregon and other dune areas, you have by no means done it all until you have DUNED OKLAHOMA!
