Explore the Geology & History of SW Wyoming

Petroglyphs, Digging for Fossils, and Killpecker Sand Dunes

Jan 25, 2009

The fascinating geology of Sweetwater County Wyoming provides visitors excellent attractions and outdoor activities, including the petroglyphs and Killpecker Sand Dunes.

Southwest Wyoming is a great place for outdoor activities, while learning about geology and history. The Killpecker Sand Dunes provides recreational opportunities. The White Mountain Petroglyphs is a great place for visitors and families to learn about the history of Wyoming. Other geological attractions include the Continental Divide, Boars Tusk, Wind Mountain Range, Pilot Butte and many others. Sweetwater County is a great place for discovering geology and history.

White Mountain Petroglyphs

The White Mountain Petroglyphs located just outside of Rock Springs. The “Hunting Magic” display contains drawings etched into the rock. These petroglyphs were made by the Utes, Freemont and Shoshone tribes as they traveled through the area, and are less than 1500 years old.. The White Mountain Petroglyphs site was a stopping point between hunting areas. The petroglyphs depict hunting scenes, as well as drawings indicating the seasons, such as fertile bison, deer and bear. The petroglyphs provide an amazing display of the history of hunting, as the figures use spears and arrows or ride horses.

Petroglyphs differ from pictographs, as pictographs are made with paint. Petroglyphs are figures and symbols engraved and etched into the rock. Unfortunately, vandalism occurs frequently at the White Mountain Petroglyphs site as well as other historical sites. The BLM has taken several precautions to keep the site safe from vandals, by gating the entrance to the site and moving the parking area back.

Killpecker Sand Dunes

The Killpecker Sand Dunes are a 75 mile long, 3 mile wide expanse of sand located in Sweetwater County. These Wyoming sand dunes are estimated to be 50-60,000 years old, and one of the largest moving sand dunes in the world. Ice, like permafrost, lies under the sand from harsh winters and snow. The Killpecker Sand Dunes provide recreational opportunities for off-road vehicles and ATVs. The sand dune area does contain Wilderness Study Areas that are off-limits to vehicles. These areas provide protection to the sand dune habitat. The sand dunes are located off county road 191. Visitors can contact the Rock Springs Field Office of the BLM for more information on the Killpecker Sand Dunes.

Geological Points of Interest in Southwest Wyoming

Sweetwater County Wyoming contains a wide variety and wonderful display of geological points of interest. These fascinating geological sites are located in Southwest Wyoming :

Digging for Fossils in Wyoming

Digging for fossils in Wyoming is fun way to discover the geology and history of the area. Fish fossils are most abundantly found by visitors, and easily found at that. Many fossils are found within short distances to area roads. Fossils can be collect on private land but not public land. There are many fossil quarries in the area, most of which charge a fee to dig. Perhaps the most popular is the Turtle Quarry near Little America. The Kemmerer Wyoming area fossil fish quarries are also popular destinations for digging fossils. Fossil Butte National Monument is located on Highway 30, with an excellent visitors center. Southwest Wyoming is considered the “Fossil Mecca”, as the pre-historic Lake Gosuite once covered much of the region. The reef rock created excellent preserved fish, snail, and turtle fossils.

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