30 miles of Driftbusting in the Wind River Range: Fatbiking the Lander Loop Road

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An epic winter ride in the Lander, Wyoming area is the Lander Loop Road from South Pass to Sinks Canyon. The road is closed in the winter but groomed by the U.S. Forest Service. You’ll run into a few snow machines and possibly a sled dog team or two. Be prepared for any and all snow conditions!

Overcast and windy when we left the parking lot on South Pass, but not too cold. Three fourths of the WYO Back of the Pack Racing Crew were on this little adventure. Pictured here: fatbikegirl and Studd Pyles. (Photo by Kurt Wilson).

Warming hut maintained by the snowmobile crowd (thanks!!)

Taking a break in the road. Every few pedal strokes we’d run into a snowdrift. Two friends were just ahead of us but their tracks were covered in minutes.

I bonked coming up the last, long and painful hill to the highest point of the ride at Blue Ridge. Luckily my partner had pizza stashed in his frame bag. After downing 3 pieces I started to come to. I thought for sure I’d have to lay down and wait till someone found me in the spring. Our friends up ahead of us left us this snow bike angel.

Putting on layers at Blue Ridge. A few years ago I did a ride from Lander to Blue Ridge solo and then pushed my bike up the last stretch to the base of the blue ridge fire lookout tower. It’s 89.23% downhill from Blue Ridge to Lander. I made up that figure.

Big-ass drift and gale force winds (60+ mph) at Burnt Gulch.

Studd Pyles in the front breaking trail and me trying to keep my wheels on the ground.

Snow fence, open road and blue skies.

Good whiskey, good friends and almost home. Jumping off point from the Loop Road to the snowmobile trail that makes a shortcut to the bottom of Sinks Canyon. Fossil Hill on left. Riders on this fine day were: Durt Kurt, Studd Pyles, Fat Bike Girl and Duke Silver (behind the camera).

Swinging bridge in Sinks Canyon State Park.

On pavement – we decided to ride all the way into town.

Check out Sinks Canyon State Park’s Loop Road Map for details on the route. Also, Sinks Canyon State Park has yurts available, which would make for a fun winter fat bike getaway!

Happy Trails Fatbikers!

  • Studd Pyles says:
    January 8, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    It’s actually 99.9% downhill from Blue ridge to Lander. About 3000 ft. in 18miles.

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