Overview Of Killpecker Sand Dunes
- Latitude / Longitude 41.96112923, -109.0805706
- Managed by: BLM
- Fee: None
- Camping: Yes
- Location: Southwest Wyoming / 32 miles from Rock Springs WY
Directions: Access is by the Tri-territory Road (County Road 4-17), which leaves U.S. Highway 191 approximately 12 miles north of Rock Springs.
Killpecker Dunes Open Play Area
The Killpecker Sand Dunes are the largest living dune system in the United States. “Living” refers to the fact that the dunes are ever changing. Winds and shifting sands are constantly exerting their forces on the dunes creating new and varied terrains.
This Wyoming Sand Dunes Area comprises 10,500 acres, with a portion of those dunes open to the public free of charge for ATV use.
The part of dunes that are open to OHV use is a small portion of the larger dune area with the rest of the dunes under various environmental protections.
The Killpecker Dunes are 100 miles long and 40 miles wide in places. Some regions of this dune are part of the Greater Sand Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and Wilderness Study Areas (WSA).
These designations require the BLM to manage the land here so that no irreprable damage is done, this means that no motorized traffic is allowed in the WSA. This is to protect the sensitive environment as well as the animals native to this region.
There is a large herd of rare Desert Elk, the only Desert Elk in North America, that breed in the adjacent Steamboat Mountain and live throughout the dunes. In addition, there are also pronghorn, wild horses and deer.
The Steamboat Mountain area is closed from May 1st to June 30th to protect the birthing elk and deer.
Be Aware:
The OHV open area is a multi-use area that is rich in natural gas. There are pipelines, valves and holding tanks which may get covered or exposed due to shifting sands. Stay attentive and do not tamper with these facilities.
Killpecker Sand Dunes Campground
- Latitude / Longitude 41.96112923, -109.0805706
- Fee: None
- ADA Accessible: Yes
- Facilities: vault toilet and fire rings
Directions:
Travel north on State Highway 191 from Rock Springs for 10 miles and turn right (east) on to County Road 4-17/Tri-Territory Loop Road for 20 miles.
Turn north onto the sand dunes access road for 1 mile.
Take a right (east) at the intersection and travel 1 mile to the campground.
The ATVing in Wyoming is hard to beat.
For more great riding check out the Big Horns in the 10 Best ATV Trails or plan a stay at the Wyoming High Country Lodge in ATV Vacation Resorts.
Check out ATV Sand Dunes to find more awesome dunes for off roading.
Wyoming Sand Dunes Rules
- ATV / OHV use is allowed only in the Sand Dunes Open Play area on active dunes.
- All state laws regarding ATV / OHV operating,standards and registration must be followed.
- Drivers must possess a valid operator’s license.
- Any unlicensed ATV / OHV operator must be under the direct supervision of an adult 18 + years with a valid license who will be held responsible for the actions of the unlicensed operator.
- Drivers of off-road vehicles will yield right of way to pedestrians and horseback riders.
- No person shall operate an OHV on public land:
- In a reckless, careless, or negligent manner
- At excessive speeds which endanger others
- While under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or dangerous drugs
- In a manner causing undue damage or disturbance of soil, vegetation, wildlife, livestock, cultural resources, or other authorized users
- Without lighted headlights and taillights during the period from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise
- Without a muffling device to prevent vehicles from making excess noise
Whip Flag Requirements
These sand dunes are on BLM land which typically has more lax rules. They have no listed ATV flag requirement, but do state: “Tall flags on the vehicle is a best practice for visibility and safety”.
Featured Image by BLM Wyoming | Flickr