10 Best Wyoming Climbing Spots for an Epic Adventure

 

Wyoming is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rugged landscapes, towering peaks, and diverse climbing opportunities. Whether you're a beginner looking for a challenge or a seasoned climber seeking a thrilling ascent, rock climbing in Wyoming has something for everyone. From the granite spires of the Wind River Range to the world-renowned climbing in Grand Teton National Park, this state is a must-visit for climbers. In this guide, we will explore some of the The Best Places for Rock Climbing in Wyoming You Must Visit, showcasing top spots and essential tips to help you make the most of your adventure.

1. Grand Teton National Park

One of the most popular climbing destinations in Wyoming, climbers from around the world come to Grand Teton National Park. The park presents several options, from multi-pitch alpine climbs to more strenuous routes on rock faces. 

Most Popular Routes:

• Exum Ridge: Classic alpine route up the Grand Teton, definitely for the experienced.
• The Owen-Spalding Route: A step down on technicality but not much lower on reward.
• Symmetry Spire: Incredible views to boot, it all comes down to a nice compromise between challenges and rewards. 
• Ice Point Route: An exciting adventure for experienced climbers looking for an alpine-blend sort of climb.
• South Teton Routes: Easy, but stunning routes, for beginners wishing for an introductory alpine climb.

Why Visit?

• Gorgeous alpine scenery. 
• Mix of traditional and sport climbing. 
• Acceptable for beginners as well as experts. 
• Training ground for great mountaineering. 
• The chance to summit the Grand Teton, one of the most famous peaks of the U.S.A. 
• Camping and lodging for those extended climbing trips nearby.

2. Wild Iris

If you're a fan of sport climbing, then the best destination for rock climbing in Wyoming has to be Wild Iris. This limestone crag, just a few miles south of Lander, brings world-class climbing with beautiful scenery.

Popular Routes:

• Cowboy Poetry (5.14a):  Real hard test piece for the absolutely elite.
• Wind and Rattlesnakes (5.10a): Great warm-up, or introduction, climb.
• Zorro (5.12b): Technical and fun climbing with gorgeous views.
• Mortal Combat (5.13a): Stiff enough to keep it interesting for most elites.
• Buzz Cut (5.11c): A great climb for those who want to push themselves.

Why visit?

• High-quality limestone climbing,
• Routes for everyone,
• Peaceful, beautiful scenery,
• Loads of very well bolted sport routes,
• Cooler summer temperatures due to elevation,
• Close by Lander, a town with a certain climbing culture and festivals.

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3. Vedauwoo

This is, in fact, quite a dream destination for all those who live and breathe crack climbing. Located between Cheyenne and Laramie, this area contains some unique rock formations along with off-width cracks that promise challenges. 

Popular Routes: 

• Edward's Crack (5.7): Great initiation to crack climbing. 
• Friday the 13th (5.10a): A technical fun route. 
• Fantasia (5.9): A gorgeous climb with fantastic crack formations. 
• Naked Edge (5.11b): Steep and hair-raising. 
• Beast Mode (5.12a): An intimidating off-width climb for the toughest climbers. 

Why Visit? 

• One-of-a-kind granite formations. 
• Excellent for trad climbing. 
• The easy access and nearby options for camping. 
• Ideal for refinement in crack climbing techniques. 
• It also has bouldering and short sport climbing routes. 
• Has a lot of history with some of the best off-width climbing in this country.

4. Sinks Canyon

Located a stone's throw outside Lander, Sinks Canyon is a worthy Wyoming climbing destination. Climbers can get their fix of various styles here, including sport, trad, and bouldering. 

Popular Routes:

• Killer Cave: A sport landing zone!
• Sandstone walls: Good for beginners. 
• North Country (5.12a): Technical and rewarding climb.
• Moonrise Kingdom (5.11d): Gorgeous, with stellar exposure. 
• Shadow Play (5.10c): Protected and fun! 

Why Visit?

• Climbing all year round.
• Different styles of climbing.
• Close to Lander for convenience and amenities.
• Canyon walls of limestone, sandstone, and granite. 
• Perfect for those diversely inclined in single- and multi-pitch. 
• Nice mixture of shade versus sunlit walls for different climbing conditions.

5. The Wind River Range

Located in the backwoods of Wyoming, The Wind River Range guarantees a most adventurous outdoor adventure. It provides quite riveting experiences in alpine climbing.

Popular Routes:

• The Cirque of the Towers: A magnificent and difficult alpine climbing area.
• Gannett Peak - (the highest peak in Wyoming): A thrilling climb for mountaineers.
• Warbonnet Peak: An isolated and challenging peak steeped in epic routes.
• Pingora Peak (5.8-5.10): A must-do for any alpine climber. 
• Wolf's Head Traverse (5.6): A classic route with jaw-dropping views. 

Why Visit?

• Remote, beautiful landscapes. Great multi-day climbing opportunities. 
• A true wilderness experience. 
• The views and solitude are incredible, far removed from crowds. 
• Some of the best high-alpine, trad climbing in the U.S. 
• Almost endless possibilities for other exploration and backpacking apart from climbing.

6. Devil’s Tower

Devil's Tower is a legendary climbing site and an iconic formation that has some of the most unique climbing experiences in the United States. 

Popular Routes: 

• Durrance Route (5.6): One of the most climbed routes. 
• El Matador (5.10c): Fun and technical. 
• Belle Fourche Buttress (5.8): Rewarding multi-pitch climb. 
• One Way Sunset (5.11a): Classic steep face climb. 
• Solitary Confinement (5.12b): An expert test. 

Why Visit? 

• Unique basalt column formations. 
• Wealth of cultural and historical significance. 
• A climbers' bucket list destination. 
• Amazing crack climbing and chimney climbs. 
• Beautifully set, with good places to camp nearby. 
• First national monument in the United States, increasing its historical appeal.

7. Ten Sleep Canyon

Ten Sleep Canyon, located in north-central Wyoming, is one of the most famous destinations for sport climbers, boasting limestone walls with well-protected routes. 

Popular Routes:

• Shady Side (5.10a): Perfect for the beginner. 
• Superratic Wall (5.12b): Technical and endurance route. 
• Wall of Denial (5.11d): Quite tough but rewarding. 
• Great White Behemoth (5.13c): Demanding and steeply overhanging. 
• Honeymooner’s Route (5.9): A remarkable climb with amazing views!

Why Visit?

• Excellent limestone-cliff quality. 
• All grades of climbs offered. 
• Climbers' friendly community. 
• Perfect summer climbing, with plenty of shaded areas. 
• Close to charming Ten Sleep. 
• Known for its well-bolted routes and climber-friendly atmosphere.

Explore more: Explore Wyoming’s National Parks: Must-Visit Spots for 2025

8. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Considered as a ski and snowboard area, Jackson Hole has great alpine climbing possibilities. The resort provides guided climbs in the Teton Range, making this a superb opportunity for someone to train for climbing expeditions in high altitudes.

Popular Routes

• Rendezvous Mountain Ridge (5.7-5.9): An enjoyable alpine-style climb with spectacular scenery.
• Apocalypse Couloir (Ice Climbing): A difficult winter climb for the advanced.
• Jackson Hole Via Ferrata: A climbing and mountaineering mix for complete beginners.

Reasons to Visit:

• Guided climbs: Good for beginners or those looking to build alpine experience.
• Access to the Tetons: It serves as a gateway to long serious alpine climbing routes.
• Scenic beauty: The region presents some of the most stunning views Wyoming has to offer.

9. Rock Springs Buttress

This climbing area near Rock Springs boasts magnificent limestone cliffs with bolted sport routes and trad climbing options. Compared to more famous destinations in Wyoming, it is a good area for anyone with a sense of climbing adventure and looking to avoid the crowds. 

Popular Routes

• Desert Mirage (5.10a): Wonderful face climb using small holds which feel solid.
• Dust Devil (5.11b): A more demanding overhung climb on limestone.
• Wind Whisperer (5.9): An enjoyable warm-up climb with a combination of small cracks and very fair face holds.

Why Visit?

• Low Profile: Quiet compared to many other famous Wyoming climbing locations.
• Varied Climbing Styles: Technical face climbing as well as crack climbing routes.
• Limestone at Its Finest: Great friction and interesting route features.

10. Casper Mountain

Lying a few miles south of Casper, this is a nice little untouched area for rock climbers who want a mix of sport and traditional climbing. Casper Mountain has good granite cliff faces and boulders that offer climbs for a variety of skills. 

Popular Routes

• The Needles: Multiple sharp granite spires providing interesting routes. 
• Falling Rock Canyon: Area with trad and sport climbs varying from 5.8 to 5.12. 
• Crux Canyon: Tough but fun climb, tests techniques and endurance.

Why Visit?

• Route Variety: A good mix of trad and sport climbing suitable for varied climbing styles. 
• Beautiful Surroundings: Views of the North Platte River Valley set the scene for climbing glory.
• Convenient Reach: Situated closely to the city of Casper for quick day trips.

Conclusion

From the towering Grand Teton National Park to the remote beauty of the Wind River Range, rock climbing Wyoming offers unparalleled experiences for climbers of all levels. Whether you are looking for alpine climbs, sport routes, or crack climbing challenges, Wyoming outdoor adventures promise unforgettable moments. Pack your gear and get ready to explore these incredible Wyoming climbing spots! With so many diverse locations, Wyoming remains a top destination for any climbing enthusiast looking for adventure, challenge, and breathtaking scenery.

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