Killpecker Sanddunes

The Leucite Hills of southwestern Wyoming are the remains of volcanic flows from Pleistocene age eruptions. The presence of the Leucite Hills has 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 Leucite 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 the home of a herd of rare Desert Elk. The Desert Elk are found nowhere else in North America. A portion of these dunes are managed by the BLM as an open play area for motorized vehicles. Please follow posted regulations closely - such motorized play can only occur on the active sand dunes. Other parts of this area are protected from such use as Wilderness Study Areas.