Beneath the Boulders: Exploring Boulder Choke Cave in Sinks Canyon

Wyoming's Wind River Country: Yellowstone's Unique Neighbor

On Tuesday, September 10, Charene Herrera, Michael Morris and Helen Wilson headed underground into the Boulder Choke Cave with Skylar Sargent and Ella Sokolowski of Sinks Canyon State Park.

The ⅛ mile long cave system, which ranges from 20 to 100 feet deep, was discovered in the 1990s by a Sinks Canyon State Park staff member. It is a series of limestone caverns that flood and drain every year with the spring melt. The entrance is hidden in a nondescript pile of boulders, and it requires both flexibility and bravery to squeeze through the 16” x 16” opening. Once adventurers are through the initial squeeze, they must crawl through a 20 foot tunnel before the cave system opens up to a room large enough to hold a group of 10 people comfortably. The largest room is over 80 feet wide, and includes a view of the Popo Agie River, as it flows underground.

In addition to exploring the various rooms, Charene, Michael and Helen also had the opportunity to see fish living in the underground pools. These fish live with a complete absence of light and have therefore lost their pigment, so they appear white.

Cave tours are available from mid-August to mid-April. The tour includes all caving gear, protective clothing, safety equipment and a trained cave guide. Participants learn about the geology of the cave system, unique microbial life forms called snottites and what it’s like to experience an absolute absence of light.

Listen along as Charene, Michael and Helen explore the Boulder Choke Cave. For more information on cave tours, visit https://www.facebook.com/SinksCanyonStatePark/.