Killpecker Sand Dunes

FACT: This is a land of ancient volcanoes and modern herds of wild horses and the only desert elk herd found in North America.

Records of the passing of prehistoric and early historic Native Americans is carved into the stone of the White Mountain Petroglyphs. Historic coal mines and stage stations reflect the passage of more recent folk.

During the Pleistocene, approximately 1 million years ago, the region north of Rock Springs was dotted with active volcanoes. The volcanoes spewed forth lava and hot ash for many years. Eventually the volcanoes became dormant, and erosion began to wear the cones away.

Today the remains of these volcanoes can be seen as flat-topped buttes and spires. Boar’s Tusk, North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain, Black Rock, Spring Butte and the Leucite Hills (Natural Corrals) are all that remain of those ancient volcanoes.

The Leucite Hills are the remains of volcanic flows from these Pleistocene eruptions. The presence of the Leucite Hills created a gap through which the prevailing westerly winds funnel. These winds are strong enough to carry sand and gravel. As the winds blow through the eucite Hills, the sand collects in large sand dunes. These dunes can reach heights of over 100 feet and run for over 100 miles from west to east. The biggest dunes are in the Killpecker Dune Field, which begins several miles east of the town of Eden. The area around the Killpecker Dune Field is home to a herd of rare desert elk, found nowhere else in North America.

The rough and rocky terrain of the Leucite Hills, with its numerous springs of fresh water, was well suited to trapping and holding wild horses. The area became known as the Natural
Corrals. Wild horses can still be seen in this area today. Thriving on the grasses of the Red Desert are descendants of horses brought to the New World by the Spanish in the 16th century.

Many recreationalists enjoy hiking in the area, as well as driving off-road vehicles. Signs are posted as to the specific locations where off-road vehicles can be used.

More Information
Download the Killpecker Sand Dunes Brochure 

Getting There:

Access to the Killpecker Dune Fields and surrounding areas can be made through Rock Springs and Point of Rocks. From Rock Springs, travel north on U.S. 191. Approximately 10 miles north
of Rock Springs, turn right at Sweetwater County Road 4-18 (at sign that reads Petroglyphs, Sand Dunes, Boar’s Tusk) and turn left at CR 4-17. From Point of Rocks, exit I-80 and proceed
east on the paved road north of I-80. This road will lead past the Jim Bridger Power Plant and open-pit coal mine. North of the power plant, the road forks. Continuing straight west will take you
to the Natural Corrals. Turn north and follow the road over the ridge and on to the wildlife viewing area and the Killpecker Dune Field.

Survival Guide Precautions
These are backcountry roads with no services and few inhabitants. Use caution when venturing into these areas.

• Have a high-clearance vehicle; trucks or 4-wheel-driverecommended
• Travel in nice weather, mornings recommended
• Have a full tank of gas
• Carry plenty of water and food