Posted in Wyoming
August 17, 2016
Wyoming Is Home To The Largest Living Dune System In America And It’s Incredible
A desert is not the first thing that crosses your mind when you think of Wyoming. However, it not only exists but it thrives in the south central portion of the state. This desert, known as the Red Desert, is home to some pretty incredible natural features such as the Great Divide Basin, a unique endorheic basin and Killpecker Sand Dunes.
The Killpecker Sand Dunes are located north of Rock Springs and stretch east for 55 miles all the way from the Green River Basin, across the Continental Divide and into the Great Divide Basin. The dunes themselves cover 109,000 acres.
Killpecker Sand Dunes is the largest living dune system in the U.S. and the second largest in the world. The dunes were formed by the Big Sandy and Little Sandy Rivers. Large amounts of sand collected on their riverbanks during glacial melting from the Wind River Mountains. The wind then blew the sand across the Continental Divide to its present location.
Some of the dunes even reach a height of 100 feet.
The dune system stores rain and melting snow which is necessary for the growth of vegetation and provides a water source for wildlife. The plants and vegetation help stabilize the dune system. Ponds at the base of the dunes attract birds, elk, cattle, sheep and wild horses.
The dunes, at least a designated 10,500 acres, are an ATV playground. You can also surf the dunes on a sled or skis or go for a rather strenuous hike.
At the end of the day, be sure to look west and check out the incredible sunset. This is a unique setting for a sunset that you will likely never forget.
Check out this video of Killpecker Sand Dunes by YouTube user, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming | UWyo Extension.
To get to Killpecker Sand Dunes, drive north out of Rock Springs on U.S. 191 for 10 miles. Turn right at CR 4-18 and then turn left at CR 4-17.
