Lander: Trip Planner
TRAVEL:
Lander is located in central western Wyoming; the nearest commercial airports are in Riverton, 45 minutes away, and Jackson, three hours’ drive. From Jackson, proceed north on highway 26 to Moran Junction; head east on highway 26/287 over Togwotee Pass, and follow 287 to Lander. From points south, there are exits on Interstate 80 that head north to Lander from both Rawlins and Rock Springs. Sinks Canyon begins nine miles southwest of Lander on state route 131 (turn south at 5th Street). Wild Iris is 27 miles south of Lander on US Highway 28. Turn right on Limestone Mountain Road—the odometer reading is 24 miles from the Lander Bar. Drive north and bear right, switchbacking up to the parking area. Sweetwater Rocks is 70 miles east of Lander on highway 287/789, 10 miles east of Jeffrey City on the north side of the highway.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Several motels are available in Lander, including Best Western, The Inn at Lander: 307-332-2847, and The Pronghorn Lodge: 307-332-3940. Pleasant camping can be found in several locations. The Lander City Park on S. Third Street offers free camping with a three day limit. In Sinks Canyon, there are two State Park campgrounds ($6-12) and the Shoshone National Forest campground, which charges $8 in summer. There is free Forest Service camping ½ mile past the pay campground.
The Wild Iris climbing area has primitive camping below the OK Corral cliff; there is also a BLM campground near Atlantic City with water. There is no water available at Wild Iris, so make sure to bring enough. Please bearproof and windproof your camp.
Sweetwater Rocks is partially private, partially BLM and State lands; primitive camping can be had on all BLM and State lands. There is limited water, and it is best to bring all water in with you.
AMENITIES:
Lander has a selection of grocery stores, restaurants, and laundromats, as well as a nice public library. Showers can be obtained at Lander’s indoor pool on S. Ninth Street. The recommended climbing guide, Lander Rock, is authored by Jackson Hole Mountain Guide Greg Collins. It’s available at Wild Iris Mountain Sports, the friendly local climbing store, as well as the National Outdoor Leadership School’s gear rental outlet. Lander is also home to the annual International Climbers' Festival, which is happening in 2008 on July 9-13.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
Sinks Canyon and the Sweetwater Rocks are located at elevations over 6,000’ and are best suited for ventures in April to mid-June and September to October/November. There is year round climbing in Sinks, depending on winter storm patterns. Wild Iris, at almost 9,000’ is the best summer crag; it can still get hot but there are shady climbs to be found. All three areas can have strong winds, thunderstorms, rain & snow, and desiccating sun, so it is best to be prepared with plenty of clothing options! A lot of the climbing is on southerly exposures. The climbs in Sinks and Wild Iris are very accessible, while the approaches at Sweetwater Rocks tend to be longer.
EQUIPMENT FOR THE DAY
Personal Clothing: An assortment of layers is recommended. These should include a warm jacket, a wind/rain coat, long underwear top and bottoms, and a warm hat and gloves. Loose fitting climbing pants to allow for movement, t-shirt, shorts, and a sun hat along with sunscreen and lip balm should be packed as well. A lightweight parka is handy in the spring and fall. Bug spray is good to have in spring/early summer.
Shoes: Approach shoes or sneakers are necessary for hiking to climbs. Sandals are for camp only; there are cacti and rattlesnakes around!
Climbing gear/Accessories: We can provide a harness and helmet, along with other necessary equipment such as locking carabiner and belay device; bring your own if you have them. We can also rent you climbing shoes for a very reasonable price if you don’t have a pair. Please bring a day pack, and a small first aid kit. A chalk bag is optional, but is a nice addition, especially in hot weather. Please let our office know what you need.
Water/Food: We recommend a 2-3 liter water capacity for the day; if it is summer an additional liter may be needed. Drink mix, such as Gatorade is a good addition and helps with electrolyte balance. Try to prehydrate in the morning. Make sure to bring snack and lunch items to last the whole day, such as energy bars, sandwiches, fruit, nuts, and other snacks. It’s remarkable how hungry one can get from climbing!
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
If you are camping with us, you need to bring the following items: cup, bowl, spoon. sleeping bag & pad, and a headlamp. Any other accoutrements for car camping, such as a lawn chair, are welcome. We will provide the group gear, which includes the tents, stove & fuel, pots & pans, utensils, food for dinner and breakfast, and five gallon water containers for camp.