Area Links & Info
Area Webcams & Road Conditions
Sinks Canyon
Two words should always come to mind when you think of Sink’s Canyon state park; world class. That’s because everything you do in this one-of-a-kind geological phenom possesses all the traits that make this a top destination.
The climbing in Sinks Canyon is world class. The canyon has sport, traditional or bouldering on three types of rock; limestone, granite, and sandstone: with alpine climbing further up in the Winds.
The hiking in Sinks Canyon is world class with miles and miles of trails and nature hikes that wind their way through the aspens along the Popo Agie and up and through the pines at higher elevations.
The camping in Sinks Canyon is world class with numerous improved and primitive camping all along the river.
Fancy a stay in a Yurt? Contact the Washakie Ranger District in Lander for information on availability.
Miles of world class mountain biking trails also exist throughout the entire canyon complex, with trails for both the novice and professional.
No trip would be complete to Sinks Canyon without a stop in at the Visitor’s Center to watch a roaring mountain river disappear into a limestone cavern, only to reappear a half mile later in a tranquil pool.
South Pass / Atlantic City
A short 40 minute drive from Lander lie the last of the wild frontier towns that once existed across the Rocky Mountain West. South Pass City and Atlantic City exists in that realm between history and modern day. Both are former mining towns that still boast a few hardscrabble old miners still taking placer gold out of the creeks and streams that surround the area.
Atlantic City, population 39, boasts a fine old bar and grill, The Mercantile, where the bullet holes are still evident in the ceiling. Right next door, the Miner’s Grubstake also has drinks and food, and a small store where you can load up on limited supplies.
Just a few miles away is the historic restored town of South Pass City. A former boom town that reached the height of its poplulation of 1866 and was practically deserted by 1876. South Pass city is now consists of two areas: South Pass City, in which a handful of residents live, and South Pass City State Historic Site, which preserves more than 30 historic structures dating from the city's heyday in the 1860s and 1870s.
Boysen Reservoir
Called The Oasis on The Wind, Boysen State Park is Wyoming’s largest reservoir and state park.
Boasting over 19,000 acres of water and 76 miles of shoreline, Boysen has become a premier destination for anglers and water-sport enthusiasts from all over the nation.
The list of fish at Boysen is long and extensive, the waters teeming with the great sport fish like walleye, sauger, perch, crappie, ling, rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout. The reservoir also holds a healthy population of large-mouth bass, bluegill, stonecat, black bullhead, mountain whitefish, lake trout, brook trout, channel catfish and splake.
Located less than an hour to the northeast of Lander, Boysen has multiple campsites and RV parks, geocaching, playgrounds, a marina and convenience store and miles of beaches.
The Loop Road
Feeling adventurous? The Loop Road has you covered. Located at the head of Sinks Canyon, the Loop Road zig-zags its way up a series of switch backs on the north side of the canyon to an elevation of around 9,000 feet. Up top you will find spectacular views of the Wind River Mountains and high mountain lakes. From the Loop Road there is also access to numerous trail heads that take you up into the higher elevations of the mountains.
The road is paved from Lander to the Worthen Reservoir turn off. From there it is a one-lane gravel road with turnouts. The gravel portion lasts 19 miles and can be a bit rough, but a four-wheel drive vehicle is not necessary during the warmer months.
The road climbs to its high point at Blue Ridge at 9500.’ It drops into Louis Lake and out to Highway 28 where you can turn south to visit the Atlantic City and South Pass City, or north to return to Lander through Red Canyon.
Dining and Lodging
The Lander Valley boasts numerous places to stay overnight for any budget. Free overnight camping is allowed in the southern end of City Park. There are easy to find locally owned motels as well nationally recognized chain hotels. Prices range from $69 to $140.
Dining out in Lander is a culinary adventure with an eclectic assortment of eateries from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.