Last Updated on 30 December, 2025 by Robyn Dockendorf

It’s hard to imagine volcanic eruptions happening today. That feels like something that happened back in the dinosaur age, right? While you may not find flowing lava at Boars Tusk Wyoming, it’s the remnant and a reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped Wyoming’s landscape.

Boars Tusk Wyoming is a dormant volcano jutting over 400 feet above the surrounding Killpecker Creek Plains. This massive structure is shaped like the tusks of a boar, hence its name. Visiting this immense dormant volcano is an adventure you’ll remember and certainly one of the most unique things to do in Wyoming.

Come along as I give you all the details about Boars Tusk Wyoming: where it is, how to see it, and a little history of this impressive geological feature in the middle of nowhere.

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A Little Background on Boars Tusk Wyoming

The area surrounding Boars Tusk is known by a couple of names: Killpecker Creek Plain, Leucite Hills, and even ‘life’s commisary‘ by the Eastern Shoshone. No matter what you call it, it’s a unique landscape formed by volcanic activity. The Boars Tusk’s jagged features cut an intimidating presence on the horizon.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) tells us that Boars Tusk sits at around 7100 feet in elevation and stands over 400 feet tall.

Back in the day, people would use Boars Tusk as a landmark. At first, the indigenous tribes used it – today’s Shoshone, Arapaho, Ute, Shoshone Bannock, Lakota, Cheyenne, and Crow. Some referred to the volcanic structure as The Parent, due to its resemblance to two human figures.

Later, pioneers and railroad travelers used the feature as a waypoint.

Volcanic Activity

The Boars Tusk seen today is not the whole volcano. In fact, it’s only the core of a long-dormant volcano. The rest of it has been eroded by wind, snow, and rain, leaving the Boars Tusk as a remnant of what was once an active volcano.

Boars Tusk isn’t likely to erupt. It’s composed of lamproite, which is extremely resistant to erosion, which is why it’s still standing. Scientists put the lamproite of Boars Tusk at around 2.5 million years old, so it’s a little late for the dinosaur age🦖.

But this awe-inspiring formation isn’t the only volcanic activity in the area. The surrounding hills are the result of erosion from a volcanic field that existed here around 1-3 million years ago.

Wyoming has a very active volcanic history, as evidenced by the still active geysers and bubbling cauldrons of Yellowstone in Western Wyoming. However, Boars Tusk Wyoming may be the most unique dormant volcano you’ll see in the whole United States!

How To See Boars Tusk

Getting to Boars Tusk isn’t as simple as putting a destination in your maps app and following directions. You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach this dormant volcano. The roads leading to this astounding destination are rutted and sandy in places and will easily snag a 2WD vehicle in their grasp.

You can see Boars Tusk from many miles away, but the mountain ridge to its west blocks it from the highway, forcing all visitors to take the bumpy back roads! Once you’re up close and personal to the Boars Tusk, a few trails lead around it to give you a perspective of the volcano from all directions. More on that later! For now, let’s figure out how to get there.

Directions to Boars Tusk Wyoming

Any map app will tell you it’s only a 35-minute drive from Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Boars Tusk. Don’t trust it. It’ll take at least an hour to reach due to the bumpy roads on the way. Unfortunately, there’s no other way to get there!

• GPS: N41.9612, W109.1956

Here’s how to get to Baors Tusk Wyoming from Rock Springs: (A 2WD vehicle can get you to step 6).

1. From Rock Springs, travel north on U.S. Highway 191 for 8.9 miles to Chilton Road.

2. Turn right onto Chilton Road.

3. Follow Chilton Road for 5 miles until you come to a Y-intersection. Keep left to stay on Chilton Road.

4. Keep following Chilton Road for another 9.7 miles to a Y-intersection. Turn right here to stay on Chilton Road. (Don’t take the bait to go left to get back to Highway 191. Believe me. It’s much better to go back via Chilton Road.)

5. After 0.5 miles, you’ll come to another Y-intersection. Keep left to stay on Chilton Road. To the right will lead you to Killpecker Sand Dunes.

6. Drive 0.6 miles until you see a dirt road on your left. Turn left here.

7. You’ll know you’re on the correct road if you see signs that recommend 4WD and high clearance at the beginning of the road. And they’re not kidding! The road is exceptionally rutted, and a 2WD vehicle will not make it unscathed.

8. 3.6 bumpy miles later, you’ll arrive at Boars Tusk. At the Y, you can go either way to drive around the perimeter of Boars Tusk. A few walking trails will take you up close and personal to this dormant volcano!

9. To get back to Highway 191, I highly recommend retracing the same path. The other roads leading to 191 are meant for off-road vehicles and are insanely bumpy. We made that mistake, and I hope to deter anyone else from making the same one!

Hiking Boars Tusk

Once you reach the Boars Tusk area, there are a few gravel/dirt pull offs to park. Short walking trails will take you right up to the impressive rock formation where you can see the true height of this massive dormant volcano.

Climbing the Boars Tusk is not permitted, so it’s best to avoid scrambling on the lower rocks.

Since you can see Boars Tusk from miles away, it really is impressive to stand at its base and realize just how big it is. Use your imagination to think about how big the entire volcano must have been if Boars Tusk is just the core!

Check out our day hiking gear list to make sure you have everything you need to hike Boars Tusk Wyoming.

Special Considerations for Boars Tusk Wyoming

A few things should be taken into consideration before planning a trip to see Boars Tusk. Check out our list below to make sure you’re completely prepared, as the tusks are located in a remote area of Wyoming with no cell phone service.

• When to go: The best time to see Boars Tusk is spring and fall when the weather is cool. However, be mindful of the weather and avoid the back roads after or during rain. If you go in the summer, plan for morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day as there is no shade except for the Boars Tusk structure. Avoid the winter.
• Pets: Pets are welcome at Boars Tusk, but be mindful that there are cactuses. The hot sun can bake the ground and burn your pet’s paws. Plan for morning or evening hikes in the summer, or go when the weather cools down. We have a fantastic dog hiking gear list to ensure you have everything your pup needs while on an adventure.
• 4WD: As mentioned previously, to reach Boars Tusk, you will need a 4WD high-clearance vehicle.
• Time: Plan to spend at least half a day visiting Boars Tusk. It takes a while to drive there and back. This isn’t a good destination if you are crunched for time.
• Respect: Boars Tusk remains a cultural landmark for many Native Americans. Be respectful of the site and pack out any trash. Always leave Boars Tusk as you found it or better, not worse.

Things To See Nearby

Boars Tusk is located out in the middle of nowhere, but there are a few surprisingly close destinations to explore if you’re willing to put the miles in.

• White Mountain Petroglyphs: Dozens of Native American carvings line a large sandstone wall at the White Mountain Petroglyphs. These are located before Boars Tusk off Chilton Road. Check out our article, White Mountain Petroglyphs: A Tapestry of History to find out how to get there!
• Killpecker Sand Dunes: Located east of Boars Tusk, this is a place for offroad vehicles to joyride on a massive dune system in a fee-free area.
• Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge: A high-desert oasis with the Green River running through it. This refuge is located west of Boars Tusk along highway 372.

White Mountain Petroglyphs, Boars Tusk, and Killpecker Sand Dunes can be done all in one day, but to really enjoy these amazing sites, break it up into two days and soak in the views.

That’s A Wrap On Boars Tusk Wyoming

Wyoming is full of wonders, from Yellowstone and the Tetons to off-the-beaten track destinations like Boars Tusk. This dormant volcano can be seen from miles away and has a unique shape that you won’t find in any other geologic formation in the United States.

Getting to Boars Tusk might be a little bumpy, but it’s worth it when you walk to its base and gape in wonder at it’s size, shape, and rough texture of the erosion-resistant rock.

Have you seen the Boars Tusk? Have any questions for us? Let us know in the comments below! We’re happy to help a fellow traveler.

Until next time, give your furbag an extra pet and keep exploring this beautiful world that we call home! For more Wyoming destinations, check our blog!