ROCK CLIMBING

Lander is world famous for its rock climbing. While sport climbing reign king nearest to town, there are many world class traditional climbs further back in the Wind River Range. Within a few hours of Lander, there are thousands of sport climbs, hundreds of boulder problems, and numerous sought after alpine objectives. If you are looking for personal advice on how to plan the best trip possible, ask one of our employees who will gladly recommend climbing areas, favorite climbs, or classic must-do climbs in the area. A video history of Lander climbing can be found HERE.

Wild Iris- This is what you came here for, and you will be pressed to find a more beautiful climbing area. The climbing is so good we named our shop after it! Perfect lines of pockets up clean bone white dolomite surrounded by fields of wildflowers and quaking aspens. Todd Skinner and friends put Lander on the map in 1990 and its popularity has grown ever since. Grades range from 5.4-5.14d and the best season is around May through October.

Sinks Canyon- One of the best limestone sport climbing crags in the country, and only 10 minutes from Lander. You can find everything from hand swallowing pockets in the Killer cave to perfect overhanging crimps on the Addiction Wall. Rain or shine, hot of freezing, there is something to climb in the canyon. The rock type changes from sandstone to limestone to granite the higher you go offering a plethora of opportunity. Grades range from 5.2-5.14d and the best season is year round.

Fossil Hill- A once obscure destination is now one of Lander’s premier crags. is about 1000’ higher than Sinks, the routes are longer than than Wild Iris and feature more pockets than Sinks. No other crag hosts such a concentration of classic routes than the main wall of Fossil Hill. Grades range from 5.2-5.14c and the best season is around May through October.

Wolf Point- One of the most spectacular cliffs in the country and boasts one of the highest concentrations of difficult routes in the country. Climbing at this cliff is no joke and is guarded by a long bumpy drive and a 45 minute hike down and up a steep canyon. Grades range from 5.10c-5.15a and the best season is around May through October.

The Rock Shop- While the bouldering scene in Lander is not as prominent as the sport climbing, the Rock Shop holds some world class granite boulders. Tucked under the pine trees at the very tip of the Southern Wind River Range you will find a maze of boulders begging to be climbed. Grades range from V0-V14 and the best season is around May through October.

Cirque of the Towers- The Cirque of the Towers is the most climbed and most photographed area of the Wind River Mountains. Two of the "Fifty Classic Climbs" are jewels of the Cirque: The Northeast Face of Pingora (IV, 5.9) and the east ridge of Wolf's Head (III, 5.6). Grades range from 4th Class-5.13 and the best season is around June through August.

Gannett Peak- Gannett Peak is Wyoming's tallest mountain (13,804 ft) and a highly sought after alpine objective. It is a beautiful alpine summit surrounded by jagged granite mountains, glaciers, and high plateaus. It is considered the second most difficult “highpoint” in the USA and ropes, crampons, ice axes and mountain skills are essential. The best season is around June through August.

HIKING

There are countless fantastic hiking trails surrounding lander that should be explored! Wether you are looking for a quit walk along a glacier fed stream, or hopping over striking sandstone boulders in the sagebrush, there is something for everyone. Below are just a FEW of our favorite trails to help get you started. Whenever traveling in the Wind Rivers, we recommend all hikers carry bear spray. A great guide to the hiking around Lander can be found HERE.

Sinks To Rise Trail- 1/2 mile round trip. A short paved trail from the Sinks parking lot to the Rise fishpond. See the namesake for the canyon! Park HERE.

Johnny Behind The Rocks- 1/2-4 miles round trip. A strikingly beautiful swath of red sandstone peaking out of the sagebrush. There are many possible loops to choose from. Park HERE

The Bus Loop- 1/2-4 miles round trip. Minutes outside of town this is a great spot for a quick walk. Explore the network of trails and see if you can find the bus! Park HERE

Popo Agie Nature Trail- 1 mile round trip. Cross the suspension bridge and explore a series of loops on the North side of the canyon. A great place to run. Park HERE

The Falls Trail- 3 miles round trip. Cross the bridge over the Middle Fork and get into the Winds. This leads to the amazing waterfalls, as well as a swimming hole with a waterslide. Park HERE

Wild Iris Trails- 1/2-4 miles round trip. A beautiful network of trails on Limestone Mountain. Follow the two-track road North-West from the Wild Iris Main Wall parking lot for great views of the Southern Wind River Range to the West and Red Canyon to the East. Park HERE

Leg Lake Cirque- 9.2 miles round trip. A beautiful alpine cirque! This route follows a thin trail with route finding skills necessary. Park HERE.

CAMPING

There are fantastic sightseeing opportunities and memorable camping experiences to be had around Lander. Whether you're looking for rolling hills, rugged peaks, lakes, or sagebrush covered plains, there are a ton of fantastic places to spend the night. Many of the established sites require a fee, although there are several options for free camping. Spring through Fall is the best season to camp around Lander. A few tips on camping ethics: Be discreet and low impact, Store your food properly, and pack out what you pack in. Be aware of any fire bans in effect and honor them.

Lander City Park- An Idyllic park right in town next to the river and surrounded by huge cottonwoods. Please respect the 3 night limit. Park HERE.

Sinks Canyon- A great place to stay with tons to do! There are several different campgrounds and yurts available. Cost is $10 a night. Park HERE.

The Loop Road- There are no established sites or facilities on Forest Service land, but this is a great place for free camping! Park HERE.

Worthen Reservoir- A beautiful spot with waterfront opportunities! Cost is $20 a night. Park HERE.

Wild Iris- Some established sites with bathrooms but no water. Popular with climbers. Cost is $10 a night. Park HERE.

Atlantic City- A few miles west of Limestone Mountain Road, there are a couple of nice quiet campgrounds. Cost is $20 a night. Park HERE.

 BACKPACKING

The Wind River Range offers some of the best backpacking opportunities in the country. No where else can you experience the grand scale of soaring granite walls, meadows of wildflowers, and a sence of solitude only the mountains can provide. There are a TON of options to choose from, but these are some of the more classic trips. Be sure to pack a map and compass and follow leave no trace ethics.

Silas Canyon- 7 mile out and back. A nice short adventure that offers a shady trail packed with whortleberries that ends at a nice lake. Park HERE.

Stough Creek- 15 mile out and back. A popular scenic option close to town with great fishing opportunities. Park HERE.

Cirque of the Towers- 16 mile out and back OR 22 mile loop. The most iconic trail in the winds. You have to see it to believe it! Park HERE.

Ice Lakes- 25 mile loop. A beautiful loop through the southern Winds with great views and fishing. Summiting Wind River Peak is an obtainable objective from this loop! Park HERE.

FISHING

The glacier fed alpine lakes and streams offer a fantastic opportunity for fly fishing. With seven species of trout found in the area, the fishing in the Wind River Mountains near Lander is undeniably world class. While many waterways are accessible by car, there are hundreds of rarely visited spots available to those who are undeterred by a hearty day hike. For more information about fishing around Lander and Wyoming, get in touch with our good friends George or Hank Hunker by visiting their website Sweetwater Fishing Expeditions. Wyoming State and Tribal fishing licenses are available for purchase in store.

Red Canyon- A beautiful section of the Popo Agie that meanders along the vivid cliffs of Red Canyon. Park HERE.

North Popo Agie- An easily accessible spot for a quick mission. Park HERE.

Lower Popo Agie- A beautiful, but relatively small but productive section of river on the way to Sinks. Park HERE.

Middle Fork- 1/2-4 miles round trip. The “Falls Trail” is popular with hikers and follows a section of river with many nice holes. Park HERE.

Silas Lakes- 4-8 miles round trip. These lakes are full of trout and a popular spot for hiking. Park HERE.

WINTER SPORTS

The winter activities near Lander include snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and backcountry skiing through some breathtaking mountain country. By cross-country skiing you can cruise the groomed trails at Beaver Creek or the Lander Valley Golf Course, or venture into the mountains off the Loop Road or Togwotee pass.

The Golf Course- An easy, low commitment outing for some fresh air right in town!

Beaver Creek- Fantastic cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the sub alpine foothills of the Wind River Range

Togwotee Pass- Backcountry skiing or snowmobiling in a beautiful setting at the tip of the Abzarokas.