New Equipment Opens Underground Exploration to All Lander Residents

Lander’s Sinks Canyon houses unique underground geology that, until recently, was only explorable by those who knew someone with gear and expertise. While the Sinks Canyon State Park opened caving experiences to the public in 2023, the pilot program’s limited equipment doesn’t adequately serve the growing number of interested residents—particularly children and larger adults who can’t find proper sizes. When the park superintendent recognized that insufficient and aging gear was limiting participation and potentially endangering both cavers and local bat populations, she reached out to LOR with a plan to outfit the program with comprehensive, properly sized equipment. Full-body coveralls instead of partial overalls will better protect participants from abrasions and cold while reducing the risk of spreading white-nose syndrome between bat colonies. The upgraded helmets, headlamps, gloves, and coveralls in youth and adult sizes will allow schools, families, and individuals to safely explore these remarkable underground chambers for years to come. LOR’s funding will help purchase equipment for up to 90 participants at a time, ensuring this unique Wyoming experience remains accessible to all.