📷 Photo by Ryan Heuer on UnsplashSinks Canyon State Park
Lander, WY
The Popo Agie River vanishes into a limestone cave and reappears a quarter mile downstream in a pool full of large trout. Do not feed the fish.
Sinks Canyon State Park is a state park on the edge of the Wind River Range in Wyoming, about 6 miles (10 km) southwest of Lander on Highway 131. It covers around 600 acres at roughly 6,122 feet (1,870 m).
It is famous for a natural phenomenon: the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River flows into a cave of Madison limestone, "the Sinks", and reappears about a quarter mile (400 m) downstream at "the Rise". Dye tests found that the underground trip takes more than two hours; the water comes out warmer and in greater volume at the Rise. There is a visitor center at the Sinks and an observation deck at the Rise.
Hikers and mountain bikers use the trails, and climbers work the bluffs around the canyon. A popular hike runs about 3 miles round trip to Popo Agie Falls. Several campgrounds lie in and near the park. Nearly 100 bird species have been recorded. Check hours and fees beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Lander, WY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.7366, -108.8325
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Sinks Canyon CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Sinks Canyon State Park
- Popo Agie CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Sinks Canyon State Park
- Sawmill CampgroundCampsite2 mi from Sinks Canyon State Park
- Worthen Meadow CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Sinks Canyon State Park
- Little Popo Agie CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Sinks Canyon State Park
- Lake Louis CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Sinks Canyon State Park
All campsites in Wyoming · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sinks Canyon State Park?
Sinks Canyon State Park is in Lander, WY, at GPS 42.7366, -108.8325. It is about 17 mi from Atlantic City.
Can you camp near Sinks Canyon State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Sinks Canyon Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Sinks Canyon State Park?
Sinks Canyon State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Wind River country: Togwotee Pass to South Pass and Granite, pronghorn and grizzly country – by camper along the Wind River Range from Rock Springs to the edge of the Tetons.
What is there to see near Sinks Canyon State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: South Pass City State Historic Site (19 mi), Togwotee Pass (94 mi), Jackson Town Square (110 mi) and Mormon Row Historic District (112 mi).
When is the best time to visit Sinks Canyon State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)