Last Updated on December 4, 2023

The landlocked state of Wyoming won’t strike you as a surfer’s paradise, but it it is home to some out-of-this-world desert landscapes and sand dune stystems, including some great spots for sandboarding.

While not very steep, the Killpecker dunes in the Red Desert north of Rock Springs makes for the largest dune field in North America, and are one of the only seven groups of singing sands you can find in the world.

Killpecker Sand Dunes – Leucite Hills, Rock Springs, Wyoming. Photo courtesy of James St. John.

Killpecker Sand Dunes – Rock Springs, Sweetwater County

The Killpecker Sand Dunes are located only a few miles north of Rock Springs, in Wyoming’s Red Desert.

The dunes are located in a remote, arid area of the state, and they are known for their tall, steep slopes and challenging terrain.

The site is huge and has plenty of spots that are open for both sandboarding and sand duning (off-roading), but make to avoid vegetated areas as not to disturb local wildlife.

The best location for sandboarding at Killpecker Sand Dunes is the Open Play Area Campground, where only non-motorized recreational activities are allowed. There you can also practice hiking and horseback riding.

PS. Bring your own sandboard!


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Singing sand dunes

The Killpecker Sand Dunes are one of the few rare “singing” or “booming” sand dunes in the US, a type of sand dune that makes a singing or humming noise when the sand is moved or shifted by wind or other forces.

This phenomenon is caused by the movement of sand particles rubbing against each other, which creates a vibrating sound that can be heard from a distance.


How to get there

There are different ways to access the Killpecker Sand Dunes, depending on where you are coming from and what kind of vehicle you have.

Here are some of the most common routes:

  • From Rock Springs: Drive north on US-191 for about 11 miles, then turn left onto County Road 4-17/Tri-Territory Loop Road. Follow this road for about 22 miles, passing by the Jim Bridger Power Plant and the Natural Corrals. Turn right onto the Sand Dunes access road and follow it for about one mile until you reach the Open Play Area Campground.
  • From Green River: Drive north on WY-530 for about 28 miles, then turn right onto County Road 4-18. Follow this road for about 15 miles, then turn left onto County Road 4-17/Tri-Territory Loop Road. Continue for about 7 miles, then turn right onto the Sand Dunes access road and follow it for about one mile until you reach the Open Play Area Campground.
  • From Casper: Drive south on US-20/US-26 for about 116 miles, then turn left onto WY-220. Follow this road for about 85 miles, then turn right onto US-287. Continue for about 28 miles, then turn left onto WY-28. Follow this road for about 67 miles, then turn right onto US-191. Drive for about 10 miles, then turn right onto County Road 4-17/Tri-Territory Loop Road. Follow this road for about 22 miles, then turn right onto the Sand Dunes access road and follow it for about one mile until you reach the Open Play Area Campground.

USA Sandboarding Map


Read also: Red Desert Travel Guide

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