For many years it was unproven that the water flowing into the Sinks was the same water flowing out at the Rise. Dye tests have proven it is the same water but have revealed other mysteries: it takes the water flowing into the Sinks over two hours to reappear at the Rise. Geologists speculate that while underground the water circulates up and down through many narrow, winding passages. It was also discovered that more water flows out at the Rise than goes in at the Sinks. The additional water may be coming from underground springs or other sinks formations in the area. It is unknown exactly how old the Sinks are although they are likely an Ice Age feature thousands of years old. The massive glaciers that carved the canyon exposed the soft limestone and the millions of gallons of water from the melting ice helped erode the underground passages.

Sinks Canyon is the home to a myriad of wildlife, birds and plants. Three major habitats are readily observed in the canyon and each is unique. The most dramatic contrast in habitats is between the heavily forested north facing slope and the drier sagebrush and juniper covered south facing slope. The north facing slope is in the shade much of the winter allowing heavy snow to accumulate. This snow provides the moisture needed for the tall Limber Pine and Douglas Fir trees. Birds such as the Western Tanager, the Mountain Chickadee, Blue Grouse and the Townsend's Solitaire live in these thick coniferous forests. Mammals such as the Pine Martin, Porcupine, Black Bear and the Red Squirrel prefer the forest. Wildflowers such as Heartleaf Arnica, Lupine and Phlox are also found. The south facing slope receives a great deal of sunshine all winter which melts the snow off quickly. This lack of snow

makes this slope excellent winter range for many animals because they don't have to struggle through heavy snow to find food. Bighorn Sheep and Mule Deer are commonly seen on this rocky slope in the winter. Golden Eagles and tiny Cliff Swallows can be seen soaring above the cliffs. Green-tailed Towhees and Kestrels also make this slope their home. Wildflowers such as Sego Lily, Hawksbeard and Arrowleaf Balsamroot are bright splashes of color in the blue-grey

sagebrush. Another habitat in Sinks Canyon is the Riparian zone along the Popo Agie River. This is the moist area along either side of the river where there is enough water to support thick stands of Aspen, Chokecherry and Willow. Moose are occasionally seen in the Riparian zone browsing on willow or Red-Osier Dogwood. Birds such as the Lazuli Bunting, the Dipper, the Rufous Hummingbird and Black-headed Grosbeak can be seen in the heavy foliage along the river. The moisture in the Riparian zone allows wildflowers such as Sticky Geranium, Yellow Monkeyflower and Columbine to flourish. All of these habitats make Sinks Canyon a rich place to observe nature and the surrounding National Forest and wilderness areas extend the opportunity to experience Wyoming's beauty at its best.