Rock Springs Buttress  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  9,000' Lat, Long:  43.5877, -110.87 Map Page Views:  20,405. Good page? (2 likes)    Administrator:  Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Andy Laakmann on Jun 17, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu 64° | 37° 59° | 37° 59° | 37° 55° | 32° 52° | 32°

Rock Springs Buttress as viewed from the road to t...

Description 

Rock Springs Buttress comes highly recommended. It is a unique and cool climbing experience! The rock quality is generally good (for alpine rock) and the climbs include sport, traditional, and a blend of both. There are a variety of routes and variations, and fixed anchors are plentiful, so linkups are possible.

The rock is granite, though highly fractured and weathered - and occasionally loose. The holds alternate between positive and slick, and the smooth crystalline nature of the rock sometimes make the feet tenuous. Routes may seem a little sandbagged, probably because of the lack of chalk and difficulty in reading the quality of holds from below.

Visitors to this crag are encouraged to get Greg Collins' latest edition of Lander Rock - it includes topos of Rock Springs Buttress. Be sure to get the latest version, as the older version didn't have Rock Springs in it.

Helmets and a 70m rope are strongly recommended.

Watch out for the marmots! One chewed through my rock shoe while it was sitting 20 feet from me. Others attempted to chew through a nearby rope, and one stole a pair of $160 sunglasses. Seriously - keep everything within arms reach and be prepared to defend your equipment!

The crag is west facing and gets morning shade and afternoon sun, and mornings can be chilly so be sure to bring something warm with you.

Getting There 

Drive to Jackson Hole Ski Area and park in the upper lot (behind Teton Mountain Lodge).

Hike up the paved McCollister Road towards the Union Pass lift. Eventually the road dead ends, and a small trail takes off to the left. Take this trail until it hits a service road. Turn left on the service road. Eventually the service road turns into a steep trail that takes you up to the buttress.

You can also mountain bike the first portion, which greatly speeds the return to your car. Stash your bike when the double-track service road turns into a single track.

The trail is steep, but it is a beautiful alpine valley and that helps take your mind off the effort. Expect a 1.5-2 hour approach.

The Classics

Featured Route For Rock Springs Buttress

Whistle Pigs 5.11-  WY : Rock Springs Buttress

Well protected great rock with several short cruxes and good rests. Thin moves low, pumpy traverse, and a fun roof make for a varied outing. Being on the lower right end it makes for a great end of the day route before walking down, or if the weather looks threatening. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in WY

Photos of Rock Springs Buttress Slideshow

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View from the approach trail. This is the left si...	Begin the approach by walking south on the service...	June 2006 - this little sign off the service road ...
Climbers on an unknown route.	BETA PHOTO: Looking across from Guide's Route to the central b...	BETA PHOTO: What happens if you don't hang your trekking poles...
Main portion of Rock Springs Buttress. Exum Arete ...	Rock Springs Buttress from Hwy 22, highlighted.