A regional Wyoming landscape from our approved collection—not a labeled photograph of Sinks Canyon. Follow the official park links below for site views and maps.
A Sinks Canyon day trip from Dubois adds a different kind of Wyoming experience to an RV vacation. Instead of another Jackson or Yellowstone outing, make Lander and its nearby canyon the focus. The central attraction is a river that disappears underground and reappears downstream—a landscape story you can build a satisfying visit around.
What are the Sink and the Rise?
The Bureau of Land Management’s Sinks Canyon guide explains that the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie goes underground at the Sink and emerges below at the Rise. The Rise has a pool where visitors can observe large trout; fishing is not allowed at that viewing site.
That contrast is the point of the outing. Look at the water, the rock and the setting rather than treating the two stops as quick photographs to check off. Interpretive information can turn an unusual view into something everyone in the group understands and remembers.
Plan a canyon visit, not an accidental hiking expedition
Start with the features you most want to see. If your group prefers a shorter outing, focus on interpretation and river views. If hiking is important, choose a named trail after checking its current condition, distance and suitability with the park. Do not assume an appealing trail sign means a route is easy for every visitor.
Use Wyoming State Parks’ official Sinks Canyon page for current notices, facilities and visit planning. A particular visitor center, observation deck or trail can have different availability from the canyon as a whole. Confirm the pieces that matter to your trip rather than relying on an old blog’s hours.
Give Lander a useful place in the day
Decide whether town is your lunch stop, your main shopping stop or a brief break before returning. Choose food and fuel stops before you head into the canyon, and check current business hours independently. If your group has mobility or dietary needs, settle those arrangements first.
The BLM guide places the canyon along Highway 131 out of Lander. Map the complete route from Windhaven, including the return, and check WYDOT’s road conditions. This is a separate regional excursion, not an attraction on Windhaven’s property.
A practical sequence for the outing
- Before departure: check road and park notices, choose your walking goal and pack water and layers.
- In the canyon: make the Sink and Rise the priority, allowing time to read and observe.
- Optional activity: add a suitable trail only if conditions, time and the group agree.
- In Lander: enjoy the meal or town stop you planned.
- Return: leave space for breaks instead of adding another major destination.
How this fits a Windhaven RV vacation
A local day, a park day and a Lander day provide variety without changing campsites every morning. Compare this outing with our three-day Dubois itinerary, then choose based on your interests and available days—not the number of attractions you can name.
Windhaven RV Resort offers full-hookup sites, showers and laundry in Dubois. Leave your RV settled, take a suitable day vehicle and come back to your own space beside the Wind River.
Plan your Windhaven stay
Check RV-site availability and book your stay. For questions, call or text 307-855-5427. Weekly and monthly stays are arranged by phone.
