ALKALI BASIN/EAST SAND DUNES WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The Killpecker Dunes, the largest active sand dune region in Wyoming, and among the largest in the world, traverse the WSA. This WSA includes a remnant of the Red Desert area of the Great Divide Basin. The region is of scientific value for the study of active sand dunes, their movements and how they are stabilized. Valuable pronghorn antelope habitat is found within the WSA, and the Sands elk herd occasionally inhabits the WSA during the winter months. This area also offers visitors unconfined recreation such as horseback riding, hiking, hunting for pronghorn antelope and sage grouse, backpacking, and wildlife photography.

Visitation Information

The study area is adjacent to the Red Lake area on the eastern boundary, accessed by County Road 4-21 on the east. The East Sand Dunes are part of the largest active sand dune region in Wyoming and contain beautiful scenery of the Killpecker Sand Dunes as well as lakes formed by ice-fed ponds. Motorized travel is expressly prohibited within the WSA. Additionally, the WSA is closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.

Visitor Advisory

Access to wild lands inherently requires good navigational skills and four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions. The WSAs in the BLM Field Office are primarily accessed by unnamed or unsigned two-track roads that in many cases may be difficult to find without sufficient navigational skills and equipment.

Wilderness Study Areas 

WSAs are undeveloped federal lands that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, and are managed so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Backcountry recreation is a common use along with Leave no Trace Outdoor ethics. Please be advised these areas are restricted and do not allow for the use of motorized and mechanized equipment.