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Sinks Canyon: WY-131, Wind River Range, Wyoming
Photo: Jonmikel & Kat from Lander, WY · CC BY-SA 2.0

Drives Wyoming Laramie, Lander and Southern Wyoming

Sinks Canyon: WY-131

Sinks Canyon Road, WY 131 · Lander → Sinks Canyon

Leisurely6.3 mi10 min1,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,600 ftOne way
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The drive

This is WY 131 (Sinks Canyon Road) running southwest out of Lander into the Wind River Range. The road climbs along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River, with the canyon walls closing in as you go. The drive is 6.3 miles and takes about 10 minutes.

The canyon's draw is the Sinks, where the river flows into an underground limestone cavern. It comes back out about a quarter mile down the canyon at the Rise, a pool where the water reappears. Dye tests show the trip underground takes more than two hours, and more water flows out at the Rise than goes in at the Sinks.

The drive ends at Sinks Canyon State Park, at the edge of Shoshone National Forest. It is a short run, best paired with a walk at the Sinks or the Rise.

Along the way

  1. Lander (WY-131)
  2. Sinks Canyon
Elevation
1,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,600 ft
LanderSinks Canyon
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
LanderSinks Canyon
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Sinks Canyon State Park has no day-use fee; camping does carry a fee.
  • The park visitor center is open seasonally, so don't count on it outside summer.
  • The park is home to mule deer and marmots, and prairie rattlesnakes live in the canyon, so watch where you step at pullouts.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Wyoming 511 (WYDOT road conditions).

Questions about this drive

How long is the Sinks Canyon drive on WY 131?

WY 131 from Lander to Sinks Canyon is 6.3 miles and takes about 10 minutes.

Is there a fee to visit Sinks Canyon State Park?

Wyoming State Parks lists no day-use fee at Sinks Canyon State Park. Overnight camping does have fees.

What are the Sinks and the Rise on Sinks Canyon Road?

The Popo Agie River flows into a limestone cavern called the Sinks and comes back out about a quarter mile down the canyon at the Rise.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Sinks Canyon: WY-131, from Lander to Sinks Canyon