Sinks Canyon Road to Louis Lake
Gateway to Wind River wilderness
This route starts where the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cave at the Rise, then climbs through Sinks Canyon into the Wind River Range backcountry toward Louis Lake. The road gets progressively rougher as you leave the paved section behind, winding through granite boulder fields and crossing streams that feed into some of Wyoming’s most pristine alpine country. Christina Lake and the Continental Divide Trail intersection mark serious get-away-from-it-all territory.
You’ll want high-clearance 4WD for the upper reaches, especially if conditions are wet. The lower canyon stays open year-round, but snow blocks the high country from October through June. No permits needed for the road, though wilderness entry requires registration. Lander’s your supply point — stock up on everything because you’re heading into genuine nowhere. What you get is access to some of the Wind Rivers’ best fishing and camping, plus solitude that’s getting harder to find in Wyoming’s mountains.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Lander, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Shoshone National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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