Lander Wyoming

Updated November 2023 to add new content at the end of the blog from our return visit.

Located a couple hours South of Grand Teton National Park at about 5,200 feet above sea level is Lander Wyoming, We stopped at this thriving little town of around 7,500 people on our way to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It was just meant to be a short stopover of a couple of nights (and it was) but what we quickly realized is that this is a destination of its own. Maybe overshadowed by the big national parks to the North, and understandably so, however in peak season this little town lights up. We were there in early May.

The main attraction in the area is Sinks Canyon State Park, where the Popo Agie River winds through the beautiful mountains and canyons. There are many hiking trails, some of which lead to spectacular waterfalls. However early May created some challenges for us as 6″-12″ of fresh snow fell in the mountains overnight upon our arrival. Although this made for an even prettier landscape, hiking and a visit to the Popo Agie falls were cut short.

Early May did provide for a very unique experience. The snow covered mountains were a backdrop for the many plush green pastures where cattle and horses graze. The rolling countryside looked more like Ireland than Wyoming. It was a perfect clash of Spring and Winter all in one breath.

We stayed at a small RV park just on the edge of town called Mountain Range, with an amazing view out our windows of… well, the mountain range of course. I also understand that the city park allows RV camping for free, albeit with no facilities. The town has everything you need but keeps its small town feel. We ate a fantastic dinner at the Cowfish restaurant. Autumn was our server, a local from the area, who made the dining experience even better.

We will be back to Lander in the future, but as a destination stop, not just a stopover as part of the journey. I look forward to seeing Popo Agie Falls and trying the Rainbow Trout at Cowfish.

Check out our photos of Lander Wyoming

Update: November 2023

We knew Lander was worth a return trip, so we did so, in not so snowy September of 2023. We were able to do and see everything we missed previously and then some.

A hint of autumn may have been in the air, but it was definitely not winter this time. We took advantage of this on the first day and drove over the pass on Louis Lake Road which was an amazing drive. At one point the road turns into a gravel road so it went a bit slower than planned but made for an even better adventure.  

On the way we stopped at South Pass City, an old gold mining town on the Oregon Trail. It’s now a ghost town with restored original structures that can be toured. The original mine structure still exists and can also be toured on certain times of the year.

The return trip back to Lander brought us through Red Canyon, a beautiful overlook of what you’d expect to see on a Wyoming post card. We spotted a dirt road that cut right through the canyon, so we left the pavement and took the road less traveled the rest of the way. Jeep ownership does have its privileges!

We were up early the next morning to go to Sinks Canyon State Park and tackle Popo Agie Falls trail. This was top on our list on our first snowy May trip. The park looked so much different without the snow, but this time we could actually find the trail. It was steep with lots of great views all the way up, as the trail rises above the river below. We took our time and enjoyed the climb, making it up to the falls and a small swimming hole which we found very unique.

We explored the park further and determined the meaning of “Sinks Canyon”. The Popo Agie River runs through the canyon and then disappears underground in what is called the “Sinks”, a large cavern. The river then takes a two-hour journey and reappears a quarter mile downstream at the “Rise”. There’s a small pool formed by erosion at the Rise which is a feeding ground for huge trout which you can feed from the overlook. The whole thing is extremely rare and an amazing site to see.

Right on the edge of Lander are two cojoined museums, Museum of the American West and the Freemont County Pioneer Museum. Both were well worth the visit to catch up on some western culture.

We’re so glad we returned to Lander and shared it with our good friends, Dennis and Sandra. I’d recommend Lander to anyone as a stop on the way to the Tetons or Yellowstone, or as a very worthy destination of its own. The natural Wyoming beauty and small-town charm is a perfect combination.

Check out our updated photos of Lander Wyoming