Climbing & Mountaineering in Wyoming
Wyoming’s many mountains and canyon walls provide numerous
opportunities to test your skill and ability at rock climbing
or free climbing. Whether it’s basic bouldering at the
mountain peaks of the western Wyoming Rockies, reaching
Wyoming’s highest summit, Gannett Peak (13,799 feet), crag
climbing in the Grand
Teton National Park, or climbing legendary Devil’s Tower,
there is an infinite supply of climbing challenges.
For beginning climbers, check out the peaks in the Upper
Fremont Lake Campground in northeast Pinedale, or Mulligan
Park which is just 14 miles up Skyline Drive.
Perhaps one
of Wyoming’s most recognized climbing spots is Devils
Tower National Monument. Here you will find over 200
routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.12 in difficulty. You can reach
the Summit through the use of crack climbing, climbing lines,
free climbing or establish your own route
which can be registered
at the Visitors Center.
Some of the more popular routes
are the Durrance Route and the Wiessener. It is important
to note that the Devils Tower is closed to climbing during
the month of June out of respect to the American Indians
who regard the Tower as sacred.
 In
the Grand Tetons you will find 12 peaks
that soar over 12,000 feet, with the 13,770 foot
Grand Teton providing a phenomenal view of the
surrounding area. Also popular in the Grand Tetons is crag
climbing in Cascade or Death Canyon, scaling the heights
on the Owen-Spalding Route on the south side of Grand Teton,
and the magnificent sights from Mount Moran’s South Buttress
(considered by many to be the Tetons’ premier climb) or
Teewinot Mountain.
Wyoming’s highest point, Gannett Peak,
can be reached by various approaches. The western itinerary
includes midrange climbs like Ellinwood Peak, Mount Sacagawea
and Freemont Peak. Should you choose the climb from the
east, you will have beautiful scenery and a shorter summit
day.
Some of the other peaks in Wyoming are Turret Peak, Mount Helen, Sunbeam, the Sphinx, Chimney Rock, Split Mountain Ladd Peak or Brown Cliffs.
Photo Credits: Climbing Exum Rudge by J
Hull; Middle Teton Photos by Quazie Foto; Devils Tower by
Jim Bowen
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