The landscape within the Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area is primarily mesquite coppice dunes that range from one meter to several meters in height. There are over 100 miles of trails that have been developed by users. Although the trails are utilized during organized motorcycle races, other users are allowed to drive cross country if they wish. Currently there is one race per year that the BLM authorizes through a Special Recreation Permit, usually in February.

The Area is accessed from the west side of U.S. Highway 54 approximately 20 miles south of Alamogordo (between mile markers 44 & 45).