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Wild Iris
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Wild Iris


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Submitted By: Andy Laakmann on Jul 11, 2006
Elevation: 8,800 feet
Latitude: 42.5792  Longitude: -108.7180 
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BETA PHOTO: The main area of Wild Iris as viewed from the Zorr...


Description 

Wild Iris is one of the most beautiful sport climbing areas in the U.S. It's hard to beat a warm summer day spent climbing the white limestone pockets of Wild Iris. And to top it off, you'll belay comfortably beneath a peaceful canopy of aspen trees. Sublime.

The climbs are mostly short, and occasionally sharp, but the climbing and experience is more than enough to compensate for these minor drawbacks. There are plenty of routes from 5.9 on up to 5.13, so most climbers will find more than enough to stay busy.

Wild Iris is located at Limestone Mountain at an elevation of 9,000 feet. The climbing season begins when the snow melts (early June) and can last into Fall. The high altitude makes summer climbing pleasant, but be aware that the weather can change at any moment - wind and cold storms are common all summer. Many of the climbs face south, so also be prepared for warm temps! Remember this is Wyoming - land of the extremes!

A number of primitive spots are available for camping, and an outhouse is located just up from the main parking lot. Closest supplies are located in Lander.

The Lander Bar comes highly recommended for food and drink - it's a climbing tradition!


Getting There 

Wild Iris is located 24 miles southwest of Lander on Highway 28. Turn off the highway on Limestone Road and head up the dirt road. Head right at the first intersection and that will take you to the main parking lot. If you cross over South Pass (when coming from Lander) you've gone too far!


Resources 

Wild Iris Climbing - Good information about Lander climbing, including condition reports for Wild Iris


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Wild Iris:
La Vaca Peligrosa   5.8     Sport, 1 pitch   OK Corral : Right Side
Annie Git Yer Drill   5.9+     Sport, 1 pitch, 55 feet   OK Corral : Central
Red Rider   5.10a     Sport, 1 pitch, 65 feet   OK Corral : Central
Ryobi Ranger   5.10a/b     Sport, 50 feet   The Main Wall : Five Ten Wall
Take Your Hat Off   5.10b     Sport, 60 feet   The Main Wall : Cowboy Poetry
Aces and Eights   5.10b     Sport, 40 feet   OK Corral : Central
Claim Jumper   5.10c     Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet   OK Corral : Central
Red as a Blooming Rose   5.10c     Sport, 40 feet   OK Corral : Central
Gaucho   5.10d     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   Zorro Area
The Devil Wears Spurs   5.10d     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   The Main Wall : Wild Horses Wall
Tribal War   5.11b     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   OK Corral : Left Side
Winchester Pump   5.11b     Sport, 1 pitch, 65 feet   OK Corral : Central
Medicine Man   5.11c/d     Sport, 1 pitch, 60 feet   The Erratic
Hot Tamale Baby   5.11d     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   The Main Wall : Hot Tamale Wall
Zorro   5.11d     Sport, 1 pitch, 75 feet   Zorro Area
Wind and Rattlesnakes   5.12a     Sport, 1 pitch, 65 feet   The Main Wall : Rode Hard Wall
Ruby Shooter   5.12a/b     Sport, 75 feet   The Main Wall : Hot Tamale Wall
Charro   5.12b     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   The Main Wall : Hot Tamale Wall
Cowboy Poetry   5.12b     Sport, 80 feet   The Main Wall : Cowboy Poetry
Bobcat Logic   5.12b/c     Sport, 1 pitch, 45 feet   The Main Wall : Rodeo Wave
Browse More Classics in Wild Iris

Featured Route For Wild Iris
Me on the sweet pockets of Gaucho.  Audry belaying.

Gaucho 5.10d  WY : Wild Iris : Zorro Area
This is my favorite 5.10 route at Wild Iris. The route consists of big moves between large pockets on an overhanging wall. This pumpy route ends at a small ledge, with a difficult move to clip the anchor. Being tall helps... ...[more]   Browse More Classics in WY


Photos of Wild Iris Slideshow Add Photo
View of main wall from the trail heading from the parking lot

BETA PHOTO: View of main wall from the trail heading from the ...


Comments on Wild Iris Add Comment
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By climber73
From: Fort Collins, CO
Sep 3, 2007

Some bolts have been cut at Cowboy Poetry wall, but whoever cut them left the first bolt in place. I don't completely understand the intent of the bolt cutter, but I'm not a local. Sometimes the bolts really blend into the rock and are hard to see. This may be common sense, but make sure you can see the bolts and the anchors before starting any routes.

By India
Jun 28, 2008

There was a bear hanging out around the camp sites at Wild Iris this weekend. Please be aware, and extra careful with food, etc. in this area.