Frye Lake Trail

The Frye Lake Trail is the most demanding route in Sinks Canyon State Park, rewarding determined hikers with a pristine alpine lake nestled high above the canyon floor. The trail begins at the canyon bottom and immediately begins a relentless climb through mixed conifer forest, with switchbacks that gain elevation rapidly as the canyon walls fall away below.

As you ascend, the vegetation transitions from riparian cottonwoods to lodgepole pine, then to open subalpine meadows studded with granite boulders. The views of the canyon below and the surrounding Wind River foothills expand dramatically with each passing switchback. Wildflowers including Indian paintbrush, columbine, and lupine create brilliant splashes of color in mid-summer.

Frye Lake itself sits in a rocky cirque fed by snowmelt, its cold clear waters reflecting the surrounding ridgeline. Cutthroat trout inhabit the lake, making it popular with anglers willing to earn the access. The surrounding boulder fields are prime habitat for pikas and yellow-bellied marmots. Snow can linger near the lake well into June, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, so an early start is strongly recommended for this challenging but deeply rewarding route.