Killpecker Sand Dunes - WY

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Raw file: Killpecker Dunes WY.csv (123 bytes)

Includes 2 locations in the following area:

• United States: WY

Name: Killpecker Dunes, Wyoming
Location:
Southern Wyoming

Description:
Killpecker Dunes is the second largest active sand dune field in the world.

The Greater Sand Dunes ACEC is part of the larger Killpecker Sand Dunes. The western portion of the ACEC includes the Sand Dunes and Buffalo Hump Wilderness Study Areas (WSA). These are areas of land that have potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The BLM is required by law to maintain the natural character of WSAs. Recreational activities like hiking, hunting, and horseback riding are allowed while those that involve the use of motorized vehicles or mechanical transportation are not.

The BLM has established Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) to provide interim protection for this area until Congress can make the final decision. BLM has determined that the Buffalo Hump areas does not meet Wilderness criteria, but WSAs cannot be released until Congress takes action.

Elevation -

Directions to Killpecker:
Tri-territory Road (County Road 4-17), which leaves U. S. Highway 191 approximately 12 miles north of Rock Springs. The turnoff to the dunes is not marked, and like many rural roads, Tri-territory Road is not paved and may also be known as "Chilton Rd".

Please note: If you are trying to find these dunes for your first time, I am not sure that I would recommend doing it in a motorhome or with a large trailer. The dirt road is very long, and the condition of the road changes with weather.

Killpecker Camping Area:
Camping is allowed in the parking area. Pit toilets and running water are available.

Rules:

No person shall operate an OHV on public lands:

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 to or disturbance of soil, vegetation, wildlife, livestock, cultural resources, or other authorized land 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.
Drivers of off-road vehicles will yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and horseback riders.

Other Information:
Greater Sand Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

The Steamboat Mountain area is crucial birthing habitat for deer and elk. This area is closed to motor vehicles from May 1st through June 30th to protect this habitat.

The western portion of the ACEC includes the Sand Dunes and Buffalo Hump Wilderness Study Areas (WSA). These are areas of land that have potential for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. No motor vehicle traffic is allowed in the WSAs.

The WSA has not been designated as Wilderness, but must be "protected" by the BLM until Congress does something to either designate or free it up.