Gorilla Rock

Description 

This is a lovely little crag relatively stacked with good cracks. Lots of them are fatties, but there are a couple of great thin cracks here too. Not too many people come here due to the long vague approach, it's a pain to get to Gorilla Rock compared with just about everywhere else in Vedauwoo. Often regarded as a locals crag, pissed off locals please refer to Bob Scarpellis comments regarding who should be able to climb in the outlying areas of Vedauwoo contained in his 1987 guide to the outlying areas of Vedauwoo, The Cracksmen (rare book).

Getting There 

If approaching from the front of Reynolds Hill, continue to the left (west) around Reynolds Hill. Gorilla rock is the farthest hump west of Reynolds Hill and still more or less attached to it. As the trail wraps around and heads north, just after it passes north of the long arm of Gorilla Rock, you will see a large distinct freestanding swoopy boulder a little off the trail to the right. Walk toward this and look around for the trail that sprouts up somewhere around here. Follow this spotty trail into the thick forest, looking up the thickly forested hill to the right to get infrequent glimpses of Gorilla Rock. When you think you can see it, start bushwacking up this hill to get to Gorilla rock. No real path exists here, find your own way and don't abuse the landscape! Once at Gorilla rock you will encounter two alcoves side by side, containing several cracks each, and guarded by huge boulders.

If approaching from Parade Rock/Spelunk Spire/End Of The Road Rocks, walk just past Soft Parade and head for the gap between Reynolds Hill and the formation you can see toward the right. Aim for the formation to the right of Reynolds Hill that looks like it has the vague profile of a squatting gorilla scriped in with its fractures. Head off into the woods, mostly blindly, tending to the left and eventually up a small narrow pass between Reynolds Hill and another formation to the right (north), which is H and I crag. Once on this pass, hug the rock to your left, and eventually a vague trail will sprout, which is the same trail from the above description. Follow this for a few hundred feet, then follow the directions for the other approach.

The Classics

Featured Route For Gorilla Rock

Gloria 5.11b  WY : Vedauwoo : Gorilla Rock

Gloria is a short but stunning thin crack pitch situated in a beautiful and shady alcove. Great location to get out of the sun and away from the crowds. Difficult section about mid-height but the crux is at the top of the crack where the jams pinch off and good foot work is a must. A little reachy to get the bolts....[more]   Browse More Classics in WY