THE POPO AGIE ’ S MAGIC UNMASKED
In a spot about six miles west of Lander , Wyoming , the Popo Agie River drops off into a hole in the roof of a limestone cavern . The name given to this spot is “ The Sinks .”
Geologists aren ’ t sure where the river water goes while underground , but it resurfaces about two hours later and about a quarter mile from The Sinks , forming a trout-filled pond at a spot called “ The Rise .”
Adding to the river ’ s magic , more water flows out at The Rise than enters at The Sinks . It ’ s believed this is because groundwater seeps through fissures in the area ’ s Madison limestone and joins the Popo Agie while it ’ s underground .
Source : University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service
Access to the park is along State Highway 131 ( known in the area as Sinks Canyon Road ), which shares the narrow width of the canyon with the Popo Agie River .
These relatively tight quarters pose challenges for park management and design , Floyd said . “ But ,” he added , “ in some ways it ’ s good in that it narrows your field of vision when it comes to planning . You have fewer options in terms of development . The last thing you ’ d want to do in that area is overdevelop it .”
Ashby describes Sinks Canyon as “ a very linear park ” with four distinct districts – Sawmill , The Rise ( where the Popo Agie River reappears ), The Sinks ( where it disappears ), and Popo Agie Campground . It ’ s recommended that the districts be visited in that order upon entering at the park ’ s northeast entrance , nearest Lander .
But as the new Master Plan states , entering the park in this manner “ is currently underwhelming and at times confusing .” This is partly due to the need for better signage and a more strategically located Visitor Center .
“ The park is a little bit out of order ,” Ashby said . “ The current Visitor Center is at The Sinks . So by the time you reach it , you ’ re already halfway through the park .”
6 | TRENDS Ingenuity , Integrity , and Intelligence .