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Sinks Canyon Trail
Sinks Canyon Trail
FULL DAY DRIVING TOUR
65 Miles Round-Trip From Lander
The friendly town of Lander, population 7,500, was the first community settled in Wind River Country. At the base of the Wind River Mountains, Lander became the central supply point for Indians, trappers, ranchers and homesteaders in the 1800s and was also a favorite watering hole for notorious outlaws, including Butch Cassidy.
For a taste of history before starting on the Sinks Canyon Trail, visit Lander's Pioneer Museum at 630 Lincoln Street. The museum has an exceptional collection of Native American and pioneer artifacts and is open 6 days a week.
Sinks Canyon
The Sinks Canyon Trail is an easily accessible mountain experience. Stop by the Lander Chamber of Commerce for a cassette tape tour of Sinks Canyon and the Loop Road. Then head to one of Lander's popular lunch spots and grab a picnic for the mountains. From downtown Lander, follow the signs to Sinks Canyon Road, where the tour begins. Sinks Canyon and the State Park get their name from the geological wonder known as "The Sinks." Stop at the Rise, the Sinks and the Visitors Center to learn more about the underground disappearance of the Popo Agie River. For an intimate look at the park, ask for information on interpretive nature walks, camping and picnic areas within the canyon.From the Visitors Center, continue south on Sinks Canyon Road, keeping an eye out for rock climbers on the cliffs to the right and wildlife everywhere else.
At Bruce's Bridge parking lot either park and take a magnificent 2-3 hour, 1.5-mile hike up to the roaring Popo Agie Falls or continue on the unpaved, single-lane Loop Road into the Shoshone National Forest.
The Loop Road
The 26-mile Loop Road is a narrow, winding dirt road that offers wonderful views of the Wind River Mountains as well as picture perfect spots at several lakes for lunch and fishing. Worthen Reservoir, and Frye, Fiddler's and Louis lakes are all accessible by car. You're at the top of the Loop Road at almost 10,000' when you see a "Blue Ridge" sign. At Louis Lake, motorized boating is allowed, while non-motorized boating is allowed on the other accessible lakes.
Red Canyon
Once you reach Hwy. 28, where the pavement begins again, you're less than 30 miles from Lander. Turn left and watch for the breathtaking Red Canyon to the left. Pull into the turnout area for a long look at the deep red cliffs that overlook the Red Canyon Ranch, owned by The Nature Conservancy and operated as a working cattle ranch.
HALF DAY OPTIONS
65 Miles Round-Trip
The Sinks Canyon Tour over the Loop Road and back to Lander can be completed in a half day by just driving and sightseeing. The entire loop is roughly 65 miles, but remember that the 26-mile Loop Road is a rough gravel road with a 25 mph speed limit. With only a few stops, the trip can usually be completed in less than 3 hours.
18 MILES ROUND-TRIP
If you prefer a short hike, skip the Loop Road and spend time in Sinks Canyon State Park. (See full day tour for information.)
HARVEY MORGAN REMEMBERED
The skull of Harvey Morgan, killed by Sioux warriors in 1870, was the first artifact placed in the Pioneer Museum collections. In fact, this relic inspired Lander's pioneer settlers in 1909 to create the museum. The log cabin they built was the first building erected in Wyoming to be a museum; it now houses some 30,000 artifacts. The young Morgan, an Oregon Trail emigrant, gold miner and homesteader, enjoyed a full if brief life. In life and death, he played an important role in Lander's growth. Learn the whole story by visiting the Pioneer Museum.
