Fifteen Mile Knoll Cutoff cuts across the Northern Red Desert between Farson and Rock Springs, Wyoming. This short stretch of dirt and gravel connects Highway 191 south of Eden to Chilton Road, skirting the southwestern edge of the Killpecker Sand Dune Field along the way. It is part of the larger Wyoming Red Desert Driving Tour and makes for an easy half day out in open desert country.
Trail Summary
- Location: Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Closest city: Eden, WY. Closest major road intersection: US Highway 191 and the Fifteen Mile Knoll Cutoff turnoff south of Eden.
- Distance: 13.3 miles
- Difficulty: Level 1 - Suitable for high clearance 2WD
- Minimum Elevation: 6,569 ft
- Maximum Elevation: 7,017 ft
- Elevation Gain: 639 ft
- Travel Time: Recorded track time of 24 minutes; plan for 30 to 40 minutes
Difficulty
Suitable for high clearance 2WD
Stock equipment is sufficient and no special equipment is needed. This is a wide, packed dirt and gravel road with gentle grades and good traction. It is safe for most 4WD and high clearance 2WD vehicles, and the road is typically two vehicles wide. The main challenge is not terrain but washboard, which can be severe and teeth rattling in spots.
Elevation
The route holds a narrow elevation band, running from 6,569 feet at its low point to 7,017 feet at its high point. Total gain along the track is 639 feet with 566 feet of loss, for a net change of about 73 feet. There are no sustained climbs, just gradual rolls typical of Red Desert terrain.
Terrain
This is desert and foothill terrain. The road surface is packed dirt and gravel over open sagebrush flats, with clay soils in places that turn greasy and can become impassable when wet. Dry conditions are firm and fast. Washboard sections form along the length of the route and can rattle loose gear and shake mirrors.
4WD Experience
A high clearance 4WD will cruise this route without issue. There is nothing technical to navigate, no water crossings, and no rock obstacles. The main thing to manage is the washboard, which rewards a steady speed rather than crawling. Airing down the tires a bit will smooth out the ride considerably.
Travel Time
The recorded track shows the route covered in about 24 minutes, reflecting a steady cruising pace on the open dirt and gravel surface. For a high clearance 4WD vehicle driving at a comfortable pace, budget 30 to 40 minutes to account for washboard sections and stops to take in the scenery.
Highlights
The standout feature along this stretch is the Boar's Tusk, a 400 foot volcanic plug that rises from the desert floor and holds significance to local Native American tribes. The route also runs along the edge of the Killpecker Sand Dune Field, one of the largest living dune fields in North America, giving a good look at the transition between desert flats and dune country. Wide open sky and long views across the Red Desert make this a scenic, low stress drive.
Trail GPS File
Map