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Lander is a small city in Wyoming and the starting and ending point of the Loop Road.
Overview of Lander, Wyoming
The area now making up Lander was originally inhabited by the Shoshone and was first explored by non-Natives in 1873, as the Jones Expedition searched for a route to Yellowstone National Park. They discovered hot springs and oil reserves, and Wyoming’s first oil well was established southeast of the town site in 1883.
The settlement was first called Pushroot, Old Camp Brown, and Fort Augur, before changing to Lander in 1875. It’s named after General Frederick W. Lander (1821–1862), an explorer who surveyed the Oregon Trail’s Lander Cutoff. The city was officially incorporated on July 17, 1890.
The Cowboy Line of the Chicago and North Western Railway arrived on October 1, 1906, giving the city the slogan “where rails end and trails begin”. This doubled its population, and further growth took place when U.S. Steel opened an iron ore mine about 35 miles south in Atlantic City. The railroad ceased operations in 1972 and the mine closed in 1983. Today, tourism is the city’s main economic activity, with several opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The Loop Road from Lander, Wyoming
Our main reason for visiting Lander was to drive the Loop Road, a 70-mile (112.6 kilometer) scenic drive that begins and ends in the city. It goes through Sinks Canyon and up into the mountains past several pristine lakes before returning through the South Pass area and Red Canyon. About 19 miles (30.6 kilometers) of the road are gravel and can be rough, and it gets narrow at points.
We drove the road late in the morning but we rushed it a bit because we were running behind schedule. My advice is to plan better than we did and take your time.
Overall, the road is decent but the roughest section would’ve been a lot easier with a 4×4 — I wasn’t sure my car would make it but it survived. I’d be happy to do it all over again, and next time I’d plan at least a night of camping with some hiking at Sinks Canyon.
Shoshone National Forest
The Loop Road starts by passing through Sinks Canyon State Park and after 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) crosses into a section of the Shoshone National Forest. After Bruce’s Bridge — a picnic area with a 1 ½-mile trail to the Middle Fork Falls — a series of switchbacks takes you up to an elevation of 8,500 feet (2,591 meters). We stopped a few times to take photos of the gorgeous landscape. The road becomes gravel after reaching a higher elevation.
Frye Lake
Frye Lake, a reservoir for irrigation water, is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) into the drive. It’s popular for fishing and has a first-come, first-served campground with 15 tent sites at $5 per night (as of January 2026). The lake is at an elevation of 8,512 feet (2,594 meters).
Blue Ridge
At 20 miles (32.2 kilometers), you’ll reach Blue Ridge. This is the highest point of the road at 9,500 feet (2,895.6 meters). From the parking lot, there’s a steep ½-mile (800 meter) trail up to the Blue Ridge Lookout, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the area. The lookout is at an elevation of 9,840 feet (2,999 meters).
Fiddlers Lake
2 miles (3.2 kilometers) further down the road is Fiddlers Lake, at 9,400 feet (2,865 meters). Like Frye Lake, it’s a popular fishing spot. The Fiddlers Lake Campground has 20 first-come, first-served sites at $20 per night (as of January 2026).
Little Popo Agie River
Shortly after leaving Fiddler’s Lake, you’ll cross a narrow bridge over the Little Popo Agie River. The Little Popo Agie Campground has four first-come, first-served, sites at $5 per night (as of January 2026).
Louis Lake
A mile (1.6 kilometers) later, the road passes Louis Lake, another popular fishing spot at an elevation of 8,500 feet (2,591 meters). You’ll find the Louis Lake Lodge, a rustic getaway with no electricity. Built in 1937, it offers cabins, and boat, bike, and fishing equipment rentals. The Louis Lake Campground has nine first-come, first-served sites at $20 per night with potable water and $15 without (as of January 2026).
Grannier Meadows
The last section in of the Loop Road in the Shoshone National Forest passes through Grannier Meadows, a large grassy area named for local gold miner Emile Grannier. It’s possible to spot moose, elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and other animals. This is the narrowest part of the road, so take caution.
South Pass City
Detouring 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) south takes you to the old mining town of South Pass City. This state historic site features a ghost town with more than 30 historic structures along with mine tours and hiking trails. It was founded in 1867 when gold was discovered in the area, and the last families moved out in 1949. Admission is $8 for non-Wyoming residents, $4 for Wyoming residents, and free for kids under 18 (as of January 2026). It’s open from June through the beginning of September.
Atlantic City and Miner’s Delight are other ghost towns nearby.
Red Canyon Overlook
Heading back north along Highway 28, you can stop at the Red Canyon Overlook to admire the stunning scenery of Red Canyon. It’s a protected wildlife habitat for elk, moose, mule deer, several species of birds, and other animals. The road continues another 18 miles (27 kilometers) to Lander.
