Wyoming’s Vast Killpecker Dunes: Like Another Planet Where The Sand Sings To You

Wyoming is full of unusual, surreal places, but among the strangest are the Killpecker Sand Dunes in the Red Desert about 30 miles north of Rock Springs.

Covering 109,000 acres, it’s the second-largest active dune field in the United States and the largest where you can drive motorized vehicles.

Although the overall largest sand dune field in the U.S. is in western Nebraska and the tallest dunes are in Colorado, these Wyoming dunes are absolutely magnificent.

First, where did that crazy name come from?

Nearby is Killpecker Creek, which was named by early pioneers. The creek is full of saltpeter which can diminish a man’s potency.

Yes, that is really where the name comes from.

After mentioning my desire to ride the dunes in a column about my Wyoming Bucket List dreams, a desert ra