The largest active dune field in North America, the Killpecker Dunes total nearly 109,000 acres (three times the size of our nation’s capital) in the Red Desert and stretch 150 miles each from the Green River Basin across the Continental Divide and into the Great Divide Basin. For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of Wyoming geography, they’re generally in the southwestern part of the state.

Within the dune field’s borders are sandy flats, two Wilderness Study Areas, a rare desert elk herd, a homesteading ranch listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Boars’ Tusk (a prominent landmark on the Overland Emigrant Trail), dunes rising up to 150 feet in height, and ridgelines steep enough to really spoil your day if you make the mistake of riding off the back of one.

Dune buggies, dirt bikes, and ATVs only get 11,000 acres in a designated Open Play Area. That’s still nearly 20 square miles though.

Killpecker is unique in that the flats weave their way betwixt and between a mixture of moderate to mammoth dunes. Most dune areas have smaller dunes and flat areas, i.e., beginner territory, only at their edges. Killpecker’s layout makes it makes it a great place for experienced riders to teach newbies without getting too bored themselves. Beginners get to really see what dunes are about too.