If You Can Handle The Elevation This Might Be The Prettiest Wyoming Campground

Just a little over 8,500 feet above sea level is probably one of the prettiest camping areas in Wyoming, and it's FREE!

Saying it's one of the prettiest in Wyoming is saying a lot, considering the views the state has. But just look at these pictures and you get the idea.

Because of the altitude the best time to camp this area is in the heat of summer. You can imagine how cold it gets up there.

YEAH I NOW - You want directions.

Get yourself to Lander Wyoming. From there take highway 131, south west, to Sinks Canyon. 

Sink Canyon itself is worth the trip and there is camping along the bottom of the canyon by the Popo Agie river, which formed the canyon.

But hang on, you are not there yet. 

After driving the canyon for a bit you see the road starts climbing and doing the switch back thing. It's scary. There aren't even any guard rails and I think the road needs them.

This is the view you'll see as you drive that white knuckled climb.

TOTALLY WORTH IT!

Just stick with it and finally you get to the top.

Not far from there you see a lake. That's where you're going. There is parking on two sides, camping on one side.

Just stop of a moment and let your jaw drop as you see this view in front of you.

THIS - is Frye Lake.

You'll see a few people out on in paddling canoes and kayaks and swimming.

On the other side of the lake is camping. It is first come first serve and it is FREE!

You can camp at other lake beyond that. But not far up the road you'll run out of pavement and it all gets rather pyrimitate. BEAUTIFUL but rough going.

There are many lakes and trails up there but there are also many bears and other wild creatures sharing the wilderness with you.

If you are hiking or staying the night, take precautions.

OH - and FORGET CELL SERVICE. No such thing up here.

So many things to do at the top of the canyon.

But lets head back down again because there is still a lot to do at the bottom of the canyon.

For example, don't forget to pack your swim trunks. There is a natural water slide.

Sinks Canyon and hike up the Popo Agie River has water falls that you'll just love.

At the bottom of the canyon, the first mile, there is a trail that parallels the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River.

This is not a hard hike. There is some uphill, but not too steep. The trail starts at an elevation of 7,800’, and it is only 1.5 miles from the waterfall. On that walk, you gain just 650 feet in elevation.

One fall is an experience you'll never forget if you want the adventure of a natural water slide that drops off into a pond at the end.

By drops off I mean, the slide ends and you DROP!

Depending on the time of year the water can be anything from refreshing to freezing.

So go in the heat of summer when you'll enjoy it.

Spring or early summer is often best. That is when there is more water in the river from the winter snow melting.

Sliding down the waterfall has become a sort of rite of passage for local young people.

You can earn bragging rites the younger you do it.

I found a few videos online of people who have taken the plunge.

There is so much more to do in the area than just riding this natural slide.

Hiking, camping, geology, and don't forget to take the long drive up to the lakes at the top of the mountains.

Sinks Canyon Wyoming is one of those places where you can spend the entire weekend and not run out of outdoorsy stuff to do.

After you have had your fill make sure to visit Lander, Wyoming, just a few minutes up the road, for great hotels, shopping, and museums.

Lander has one of the most active and interesting downtowns in Wyoming and is always worth the trip.