Popo Agie Falls Trail: A Scenic Hike to Wyoming’s Natural Water Slide

The Popo Agie Falls Trail is one of the best hikes near Lander, Wyoming. This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail follows the Popo Agie (pronounced POH-poh SHEE-uh) River through a scenic canyon before climbing to a series of waterfalls and a natural granite water slide. With mountain views, rushing water, wildflowers, and relatively moderate effort, it is an excellent hike for visitors exploring the Wind River Mountains.

Quick Answer

The Popo Agie Falls Trail is a 3.6-mile round-trip hike near Lander, Wyoming, with approximately 750 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows the Popo Agie River through a canyon before reaching a series of waterfalls and the area’s famous natural water slide. While the final climb is steep in places, most hikers will find the trail moderately challenging and well worth the effort.

Why Hike the Popo Agie Falls Trail?

We discovered this hike while exploring the Lander area and quickly added it to our list. The combination of waterfalls, mountain scenery, and the natural water slide made it sound different from many of the other hikes in the region.

We arrived at the trailhead on a cool May morning and found plenty of parking in the large gravel lot. A few horse trailers were already there when we arrived, and even more showed up while we were hiking. Despite the activity at the trailhead, we had the trail completely to ourselves for most of the morning.

The hike follows the Popo Agie River through a rocky canyon lined with pine trees and granite cliffs. Along the way, we passed several scenic overlooks, crossed open areas with mountain views, and started seeing the first wildflowers of the season. The blooms were just beginning when we visited, but I suspect the trail becomes much more colorful in June and July.

What makes this hike stand out is the variety. You get river views, waterfalls, mountain scenery, and a natural water slide all in a relatively short hike.

For us, that combination made the Popo Agie Falls Trail one of the better hikes we experienced in Wyoming.

Popo Agie Falls Trail Photos

The Popo Agie Falls Trail offers much more than just a waterfall at the end of the hike. The trail passes through open meadows, follows the Popo Agie River, and climbs through a scenic canyon before reaching the falls and natural water slide.

The combination of flowing water, multiple waterfalls, the early stages of wildflowers, the granite cliffs, evergreen forest, and mountain views made this one of our favorite hikes near Lander.

Hiking the Popo Agie Falls Trail

The trail starts with a gradual climb and quickly begins following the Popo Agie River. For much of the hike, the river remains within sight or earshot, adding a steady soundtrack of rushing water to the experience.

As we gained elevation, the views continued to improve. Granite cliffs rose above the canyon while the river carved its way through the valley below. Several spots along the trail offered excellent opportunities to stop, catch your breath, and take in the scenery.

Most of the trail is straightforward, but the final climb near the falls is noticeably steeper. The terrain becomes rockier and requires a bit more effort than the lower sections of the hike. We never found it overly difficult, but this is the portion of the trail that earns its moderate rating.

Fortunately, the reward comes quickly. As you near the top, the sound of rushing water grows louder and the first views of the falls begin to appear through the trees.

Popo Agie Falls and the Natural Water Slide

The main waterfall is impressive on its own, but the natural water slide just beyond the falls is what makes this hike unique.

The slide is formed by smooth granite that has been polished by years of flowing water. During summer, adventurous visitors use the natural chute to slide into the pool below.

We continued beyond the main falls to see the water slide for ourselves. The extra effort was worth it.

The climb to the slide is steep and would likely become challenging if the trail were muddy. Fortunately, conditions were dry when we visited. Even so, we took our time navigating the final section.

Although I considered trying the slide, the air temperature was only in the 50s during our visit. I also couldn’t determine how deep the pool was below. If other people had been there using the slide, I probably would have watched a few runs before deciding whether to give it a try myself.

Even without taking the plunge, seeing the water slide in person was one of the highlights of the hike.

Visitors considering the slide should carefully evaluate current conditions and use good judgment. Water levels, pool depth, and flow rates can change throughout the season.

Is Popo Agie Falls Trail Worth It?

Yes, I think the Popo Agie Falls Trail is well worth the effort.

This isn’t one of those hikes that will immediately jump to the top of my all-time favorites list, but it is an excellent hike that offers a lot of variety in a relatively short distance. The trail follows the river, passes through a scenic canyon, climbs to a beautiful waterfall, and finishes at one of Wyoming’s most unique natural attractions, the Popo Agie water slide.

Another thing we appreciated was the solitude. We hiked on a weekday morning and had the trail completely to ourselves until we started back down. That certainly added to the experience.

The final climb to the falls is steep enough to get your attention, but most hikers in reasonable condition should have no trouble reaching the top. The reward is a combination of mountain scenery, rushing water, and a unique landscape that feels different from many of the other hikes in the area.

If you’re already exploring Lander, Sinks Canyon State Park, or the Wind River Mountains, I would absolutely add the Popo Agie Falls Trail to your itinerary.

For us, it was an above-average hike that delivered more than we expected and one we would gladly recommend to others visiting the area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the Popo Agie Falls Trail?

The Popo Agie Falls Trail is approximately 3.6 miles round trip with about 748 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete the trail in 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how long they spend at the falls and water slide.

How difficult is the Popo Agie Falls Trail?

I would rate the hike as moderate. Most of the trail is manageable, but the final climb near the falls is steeper and rockier than the lower sections of the route.

Is there a fee to hike the Popo Agie Falls Trail?

No. There is currently no fee to access the trail, and parking is available in a large gravel lot near the trailhead.

Can you slide down the Popo Agie Falls Water Slide?

Yes. Many visitors use the natural granite water slide during the summer months. Conditions can change throughout the season, so use caution and evaluate water levels, flow rates, and pool depth before attempting the slide.

Is the Popo Agie Falls Trail family friendly?

Yes. Families with hiking experience should have little trouble completing the trail. However, parents should closely supervise children near the falls, cliffs, and natural water slide.

When is the best time to hike the Popo Agie Falls Trail?

Late spring through early fall is generally the best time to visit. Wildflowers begin appearing in late spring, while summer typically offers warmer temperatures and better conditions for visitors interested in the water slide.

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Have you hiked the Popo Agie Falls Trail or tried the natural water slide? I’d love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below and share your favorite hike near Lander, Wyoming.