This Quiet Wyoming City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Set at the base of Wyoming’s Wind River Range, Lander is a small town closely tied to the surrounding landscape. With a population of about 7,500, it serves as a gateway to some of the state’s most rugged terrain, including the range that holds Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain. Just outside town, Sinks Canyon State Park features one of the area’s most unusual sights, where the Popo Agie River suddenly disappears underground before reappearing downstream. Lander also hosts a steady lineup of local events, including climbing gatherings and summer brew festivals that reflect the town’s strong outdoor culture.
Sinks Canyon State Park
Just a few minutes south of Lander, travelers will find one of Wyoming’s most fascinating natural wonders: Sinks Canyon. Located within Sinks Canyon State Park, the canyon is named for the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River, which disappears underground into a massive limestone cavern. There are several hiking trails to explore throughout the park, starting with the North Slope Trail, which ascends the hillside, leading to gorgeous views of the canyon above. This trail eventually descends into Nature Trail, a one-mile loop that begins after crossing a suspension bridge.
Beyond hiking, caving is a popular activity in Sinks Canyon, with park staff offering a variety of tours, ranging from easy walks and crouches through the cave to more difficult crawls. It might sound odd, but make sure to bring some quarters to the state park, as well! You can buy fish food from a machine inside and watch the trout go wild as you toss it in.
The Wind River Range
Lander is located right at the doorstep of the Wind River Range, a remote chain of mountains that covers over 2.25 million acres and contains over 40 peaks. Although these mountains definitely require a bit of a drive to reach them, they are more than worth the trip. Silas Canyon is a great hike for all levels, located a little over an hour from Lander. This trail takes you up a switchback road, leading to the beautiful Upper Silas Lake.
Perhaps one of the most famous hikes in the mountain range, meanwhile, is the Cirque of the Towers. This loop begins at the Big Sandy Trailhead, roughly two hours from Lander. This hike is much more strenuous, but when you reach the Cirque, you will be greeted by 12,000-foot rugged peaks, representing a portion of the Continental Divide. In addition to Wind River’s famed hiking trails, there are also an abundance of campgrounds, so you can definitely spend a few days appreciating the isolated beauty of the mountains! Cirque of the Towers, for example, has camping along the route.
A Fun Day Downtown
Although Lander is largely known for its surrounding parks and hikes, visitors should definitely plan a day exploring some of the attractions downtown. There are a couple of fantastic museums to check out, such as the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, which exhibits artifacts from throughout the Lander Valley, Fremont County, and western Wyoming. These artifacts range in age from prehistoric times all the way through the 1920s! Make sure to swing by the Museum of the American West as well, where a pioneer village showcases log cabins dating back to the 1880s, along with a 1909 church and an 1881 schoolhouse.
For some food, travelers can head over to the Coalter Block, a beloved block downtown lined with local restaurants. The Lander Bar & Grill is open for lunch and dinner, housed in a historic building from 1907, serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other pub fare. In the evening, you won’t want to miss the Lander Brewing Company, which is right next door to the Lander Bar & Grill. Originally producing beer in the 1880s, this brewery ceased operations during the prohibition era, reopening its doors 120 years later. Since its reopening, the brewery has earned numerous awards for its brews, including the top award at the Saratoga Steinley Cup, a microbrewery festival.
Community Festivals
The weather is not the only reason to visit Lander in the summer. June and July also bring a few wonderfully eccentric festivals to town. In June, visitors can sample some of the Rocky Mountain West’s best brews during the Lander Brewfest. Scheduled for the second weekend of June, this event brings in more than 20 independent breweries, serving a total of over 80 craft beers. In addition to beer, there are also ciders, seltzers, and distilled spirits to sample. Some of the region’s top bands always perform, and food trucks provide plenty of food during the event.
July brings a couple of renowned events as well, starting with the Pioneer Rodeo. Taking place on July 3rd and 4th, this festival celebrates western culture through bull riding, bronc riding, open barrel racing, and many other rodeo activities. Because of its surrounding limestone cliffs, Lander is also home to an active climbing community, with the town hosting the International Climbers’ Festival around mid-July. Starting in 1994, this festival is renowned as the longest-running climbing festival in the US, featuring climbing clinics, seminars, and more.
A Truly Special Town In A Truly Special State
Wyoming is undoubtedly one of those places that will leave your jaw hanging open when you visit. And within all of its beauty is Lander. Not only does this town connect to some of the most beautiful mountains in the state, but it is also a haven for caving, climbing, and camping. It becomes even more lively during the summer with its rodeos and climbing conferences, as well! Start planning your own trip here to understand what makes it truly so special.
