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You can drive right up to the base of the formation and you
can fairly easily climb about halfway up to what might be described as a saddle
between the two main spires. If you have the training and the gear, you can do
some rock climbing to get all of the way up to the top. The local raptor
population uses the Boar’s Tusk for nesting so you might be advised to inquire
with local authorities regarding nesting seasons, so that you don’t disturb the
animals.
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| A view of the Boar's Tusk from the edge of the sand dunes. |
The Boar’s Tusk is volcanic in its formation, made from various
lamproite rocks. The rocks are very hard and very jagged so be careful and don’t
fall if you do any kind of climbing around. The lower portions that can be
climbed on foot without any gear are made up of very steep and loose debris so
it is easy to slip and fall.
To get to the Boar’s Tusk take U.S. 191 North from Rock Springs
about 8 miles to the Chilton Road turn off. Turn East onto the Chilton Road and
follow it East and then North for about 15 miles. The road is gravel but it is usually
in good shape and it is possible to drive the road at fairly fast speeds in
some stretches. Stay on the main road and do not turn off on any of the side
roads such as Long Canyon and Cedar Canyon, as you get closer to the Boar’s
Tusk you will see it standing alone in the distance. At the 15 mile mark the
road forks to the left and the right. You can go either way and then look for a
two track that will take you to the base of the peak. The easiest way is to
take the left fork as outlined in the route that accompanies this post. After
the fork you can be to the formation in about 3 or 4 more miles.
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| The mileage sign that is posted at the beginning of the Chilton road. |
The Chilton road can be traveled easily in any kind of car
but as usual 4WD is advised to make it all of the way out to the Boar’s Tusk. The
last section of road that takes you out there, regardless of your final
approach, can be very sandy in some spots and rutted in other spots. If the
roads are wet the going instantly becomes much more difficult but in the summer
time they dry out very quickly once the sun comes out. Travel in the winter is
fairly easy as long as it’s not snowing or windy, and this time of year can
offer a different perspective of this area. You might also consider approaching
the Boar’s Tusk from 191 farther north near the tiny farming community of Eden.
I have never taken this route but I know this approach has less dirt road, but
it means more miles total.
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| Looking to the North from between the pinnacles of the Boar's Tusk. The light color terrain in the distance is part of the Killpecker Sand dunes. |
On your way to and from the Boar’s tuck the usual high desert
animals can often be seen: wild horses, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and even
a few elk. I have seen coyotes and foxes as well. A few times I have come across
fairly large flocks of sage grouse standing right in the middle of the road.
These animals suffer from severe stupidity. They will stand in the middle of
the road and let you run them over, but obviously I would advise that you go
really slow and let them move out of the way. The sage grouse is thought to be
a threatened species so you must be friendly to these wild desert chickens.
The other thing to consider if you want to drive out to the
Boar’s Tusk is a visit to other things in the neighborhood. These include the
Killpecker Sand Dunes, The White Mountain Petroglyphs, Cedar Canyon, the Table
Mountains, Steamboat Mountain, and a few others. No matter which sights you go
to see, make sure to bring food, water and a full tank of fuel. This is another
area where shade is rare so keep that in mind when you go.
Click here to download the route on Google Earth
Click here to download the route on Google Earth
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| The saddle area between the pinnacles. |
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| From the southeast side. |
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| A couple of the Adventure Kids can be seen on the rocks. |
