Just 30 minutes west of Cheyenne, Vedauwoo Recreation Area stands as a world-class destination for rock climbing in Wyoming. Known for its unique granite formations and over 100 climbing routes, Vedauwoo climbing offers challenges for climbers of all levels. If you're searching for rock climbing near Cheyenne, whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned climber looking for iconic routes, the area's rugged beauty and accessibility make it a must-visit. There are so many things to do near Cheyenne with a variety of outdoor activities, and Vedauwoo stands out as a gem for Wyoming rock climbing and adventure. Whether you're tackling cracks for the first time or testing your skills on legendary climbs, Vedauwoo will challenge and inspire you.
Vedauwoo’s Top Rock Climbing Spots for All Levels
Enjoying the stunning views of Vedauwoo's iconic rock formations surrounded by lush forests, a top spot for outdoor adventures in Wyoming. Photo by @westernskies_photography.
Climbing in Vedauwoo offers over 15 crags and 100+ routes, blending diverse styles, skill levels, and scenic rewards. From beginner-friendly cracks to technical off-widths and dynamic bouldering, this destination attracts climbers from Cheyenne and beyond. To explore even more of Vedauwoo’s beauty, check out the Turtle Rock Trail for a scenic hike that complements a climbing trip.
Why Climb Here?
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Unique Granite Features: Weathered granite creates cracks, slabs, and faces that test technique and strength.
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Diverse Styles: Trad, sport, and bouldering near Cheyenne all converge here.
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Easy Access: Located just minutes off I-80, Vedauwoo is ideal for day trips and weekend adventures
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Local Appeal: A favorite climbing hub for Wyoming climbing enthusiasts, Cheyenne locals, and visiting adventurers.
Whether you’re exploring top crags in Vedauwoo or looking to climb iconic routes, this area delivers some of the best rock climbing Wyoming has to offer. For a full overview of climbing routes and outdoor opportunities in the area, visit Cheyenne’s guide to rock climbing and bouldering.
Vedauwoo Climbing Grades: What Level Are You?
To help you find the perfect climb, here's a quick guide to Vedauwoo rock climbing from beginner cracks to advanced test pieces. Use this as a reference before hitting the crags for some of the best rock climbing near Cheyenne.
Climbing progression chart outlining skill levels from beginner to expert, helping climbers choose appropriate routes.
For beginners, climbs in the 5.0 to 5.7 range, such as Edward’s Crack, provide an ideal introduction to outdoor rock climbing in Wyoming. With solid protection and stunning top-out views, these routes are perfect for building foundational skills. Intermediate climbers will find routes like Middle Parallel Space (5.9) both rewarding and technical, with sustained cracks and footwork challenges that showcase classic Vedauwoo rock climbing routes. For those with more experience, Beefeater (5.10b) delivers tricky transitions and sustained crack climbing, making it a standout challenge for Wyoming climbing enthusiasts. Advanced climbers can push their limits on Angry Birds (5.12a), a bold and dynamic route requiring technical skill, balance, and confidence. For bouldering enthusiasts, problems like University of Mars (V4) highlight sharp granite holds and demand precision, making it a must-try for bouldering near Cheyenne.
Beginner (5.0-5.7)
Vedauwoo, Wyoming, is one of the best spots for rock climbing, offering stunning rock formations and a picturesque outdoor experience. Photo by @ashleyjessenphotography.
Start your rock climbing adventure with these beginner-friendly classics. Great protection, manageable challenges, and scenic views make these routes a must.
1. Edward's Crack
Difficulty: 5.7
Type of Route: Trad, 2 pitches
Location: Walt’s Wall
A classic introduction to Vedauwoo rock climbing, Edward's Crack offers a steady progression for new climbers. With solid protection and beautiful top-out views, it’s perfect for building foundational skills.
2. Screw
Difficulty: 5.7
Type of Route: Trad, 2 pitches
Location: Walt’s Wall
Blending straightforward cracks and gentle slab sections, Screw is ideal for beginners learning to place gear. This approachable climb highlights a balance between challenge and enjoyment.
Intermediate (5.8-5.10a)
Vedauwoo offers incredible opportunities for outdoor climbing, bouldering, and rock climbing near Cheyenne, making it one of Wyoming’s top destinations for climbers. Photo by @co_mtneer.
For climbers looking to push their abilities, these intermediate routes deliver satisfying technical challenges and stunning surroundings.
3. Middle Parallel Space
Difficulty: 5.9
Type of Route: Trad, 2 pitches
Location: Nautilus Formation
This route combines sustained cracks with technical footwork, offering a balanced test of strength and precision. A perfect example of Wyoming rock climbing, it’s popular among intermediate climbers progressing their skills.
4. Climb and Punishment
Difficulty: 5.9+
Type of Route: Trad
Location: Reynolds Hill
Featuring finger and hand cracks, Climb and Punishment offers an excellent challenge for climbers progressing toward harder routes. It’s a rewarding experience for those exploring the best outdoor climbing near Cheyenne.
5. Mickey Mantle
Difficulty: 5.10c
Type of Route: Sport
Location: Fall Wall
This route combines sustained cracks with technical footwork, offering a balanced test of strength and precision. A perfect example of Wyoming rock climbing, it’s popular among intermediate climbers progressing their skills.
Experienced (5.10b-5.11a)
Rock climbers celebrate reaching the top of a route at Vedauwoo, Wyoming, surrounded by stunning autumn foliage and scenic views. Photo by @bound2adventure.
Step into the realm of technical crack climbs and powerful sequences with these rewarding routes.
6. Beefeater
Difficulty: 5.10b
Type of Route: Trad, 2 pitches
Location: The Holdout
Beefeater is a technical masterpiece that shows the rugged charm of Vedauwoo climbing. With sustained hand cracks and tricky transitions between pitches, this route demands precision, patience, and solid technique. Climbers tackling Beefeater will find a rewarding challenge that embodies the essence of Wyoming rock climbing, complete with stunning views and a true sense of accomplishment. Perfect for those looking to progress beyond intermediate climbs, Beefeater delivers both physical and mental tests, making it a must-try in The Holdout.
7. Hung Like a Horse
Difficulty: 5.11a
Type of Route: Trad
Location: Reynolds Hill
Known for its legendary off-width crack, Hung Like a Horse is a rite of passage for those tackling Wyoming rock climbing at its finest. This climb requires a combination of strength, endurance, and precise technique as climbers face its wide, sustained crack that has tested even the most experienced climbers. The physical and mental challenge here is unparalleled, making it a favorite for those looking to push their limits and conquer one of Reynolds Hill's most iconic lines.
8. Friday the 13th
Difficulty: 5.11a
Type of Route: Trad (Top-Rope Accessible)
Location: Walt’s Wall
Friday the 13th is a steep and exhilarating climb that’s perfect for honing crack climbing skills while taking in the rugged beauty of climbing in Cheyenne. Known for its powerful roof section, this route challenges climbers with dynamic moves and technical transitions. Its accessibility for top-rope practice makes it a favorite among locals looking to refine their technique before tackling harder climbs. Combining challenge and reward, Friday the 13th is a prime example of the diverse climbing opportunities Vedauwoo offers to both visitors and seasoned Wyoming climbers.
Advanced (5.11b-5.12a)
Vedauwoo is a top destination for lead climbing in Wyoming, featuring breathtaking rock faces and challenging routes for climbers of all levels.
For climbers pushing their limits, these technical climbs demand precision and strength.
9. Max Factor
Difficulty: 5.11c
Type of Route: Trad, 2 pitches
Location: Nautilus Formation
Max Factor is a standout route for advanced climbers tackling Vedauwoo climbing at its most technical. Combining thin cracks with delicate face moves, it demands precision, balance, and focus. This climb is a true highlight of the Nautilus Formation, offering a rewarding challenge for those ready to test their skills on one of Vedauwoo’s most celebrated lines.
10. Angry Birds
Difficulty: 5.12a
Type of Route: Trad
Location: Eagle Rock
A bold and dynamic test piece, Angry Birds highlights the best of rock climbing in Cheyenne. Combining technical crack techniques with daring, dynamic sequences, this route pushes seasoned climbers to their limits. Its reputation as a must-try challenge makes it a standout in Vedauwoo’s lineup of advanced climbs.
Expert (5.12 and up)
Vedauwoo is known for its technical climbs and rugged terrain, offering some of the best rock climbing adventures in Wyoming. Perfect for climbers seeking a challenge near Cheyenne.
For elite climbers seeking the ultimate challenge, Vedauwoo delivers.
11. Spatial Relations
Difficulty: 5.13-
Type of Route: Trad
Location: Reynolds Hill
Spatial Relations is a relentless test of skill, requiring elite climbers to dig deep both mentally and physically. Known for its sustained off-width crack, this route forces precision and endurance from the very first move to the last. For those seeking a true challenge in Wyoming rock climbing, it delivers an unmatched experience of grit and determination. Climbers who conquer Spatial Relations earn not only the summit but also serious bragging rights on Reynolds Hill.
12. Yasha Hai
Difficulty: 5.13a
Type of Route: Trad
Location: Chinatown Steep
Tucked away in Chinatown, Yasha Hai is a hidden gem that pushes expert climbers to their absolute limits. This steep and unforgiving route combines intricate crack climbing with delicate face moves, demanding flawless execution and unwavering focus. As one of the toughest lines in Vedauwoo climbing, it rewards those bold enough to take it on with an exhilarating and unforgettable challenge.
Bouldering Routes
Vedauwoo is among the best bouldering spots in Wyoming, offering technical challenges and stunning landscapes for climbers near Cheyenne. Photo by @sharazaia.
Vedauwoo also features epic bouldering near Cheyenne, with sharp granite problems that test precision and strength.
13. University of Mars
Difficulty: V4
Type of Route: Boulder
Location: Lower Blair
University of Mars showcases the technical skill and precision required for bouldering near Cheyenne. Featuring sharp granite holds and intricate footwork, this climb demands both finesse and focus. It’s a favorite among climbers looking to test their skills on Lower Blair’s challenging terrain while enjoying one of Vedauwoo’s standout bouldering routes.
14. Beer Crack
Difficulty: V4
Type of Route: Trad, Boulder
Location: 700S Area
Beer Crack is a classic roof problem that combines off-width techniques with raw physicality, making it a rite of passage for climbers tackling bouldering just outside Cheyenne. Its wide crack and unique angles demand strength, creativity, and determination to top out. Known for testing even experienced climbers, this Vedauwoo favorite delivers both a challenge and a sense of accomplishment.
15. Desiderata
Difficulty: V5
Type of Route: Boulder
Location: 700S Area
Desiderata stands out as one of the most physical bouldering problems in Vedauwoo. Its steep terrain and big, committing moves push climbers to rely on both power and precision. Known for its clean lines and rewarding top-out, this route is a favorite for those seeking a true test of skill in Wyoming rock climbing. Tackling Desiderata is a badge of honor for anyone taking on the challenges of the 700S Area.