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| Elevation: | 7,000 ft | 2,134 m |
| GPS: |
42.84169, -108.72366 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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| Page Views: | 2,022,700 total · 16,978/month | |
| Shared By: | Tom Rangitsch on Mar 1, 2015 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Mike Snyder, Taylor Spiegelberg, Jake Dickerson |
Description
Lander is home to a number of cliffs dispersed throughout the foothills of the southeastern Wind River Mountains. Most of the climbing is on Bighorn Dolomite, with a some excellent granite and sandy sandstone as well. The dolomite varies in quality from very good to very featured and consists mainly of crimps and positive pockets, some being as small as one-finger pockets on the more difficult lines.
It is possible to climb throughout much of the year here. Sinks is the best winter area, with a paved approach and an inversion that keeps the wall toasty when it is freezing in town. Summer is better spent at Wild Iris and its surrounding crags as they are much higher in elevation, and mainly under snow in the winter. Spring is sometimes great, but often snowy and wet. Fall is the best time for climbing in Lander, with crisp temps, sunny skies, and access to every crag here.
Steve Bechtel's guidebook does a great job of describing the sport routes around Lander and is the best resource for any climber visiting the area.
There are some seasonal road closures and occasional route or crag closures that need to be heeded. Please check with locals (Wild Iris Mountain Sports, WyoClimbers Advocacy Organization, or forums here) if you have questions about current access to an area.
More Beta
Lander is located in central Wyoming, about 5 hours from Denver and 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City. There is an airport in Riverton, WY, about 25 miles to the east which has erratic commuter service. It is pretty remote and you will generally need a vehicle to climb here. The areas in the LIttle Popo Agie canyon require a vehicle with at least some clearance and at times four wheel drive.
Lander is the venue for the International Climbers' Festival, held every summer in mid-July. This grassroots festival is one of the world's longest-running climbers' festivals and is organized by WyoClimbers, a non-profit local climbing organization that supports youth climbing, rebolting/safe anchor initiatives, and climbing access/advocacy in the region.
Gear and guidebooks can be found at Wild Iris Mountain Sports on Main Street in town.
Elemental Climbing and Fitness is the go to place if you need a shower, or want to climb on the rare chance you get rained out. Steve Bechtel's Climb Strong is also a a part of Elemental and one of the world leaders in climbing training.
The local guide service, Wind River Climbing Guides, is available for climbing instruction of all levels at Sinks Canyon and Wild Iris.
Where To Stay
There are numerous places in and around Lander to stay while on your climbing trip.
In town:
City Park- You can camp in the grassy city park for free with a three day limit. Please respect the 3 night limit!
There are also several Airbnb options, as well as numerous hotels.
Sinks Canyon:
Sawmill Campground- Closest access to the sink and rise of the Popo Agie.
Popo Agie Campground- Closest access to the shady side and hiking trails across the swinging bridge. Yurts are also available to rent.
Sinks Canyon Campground- Closest access to the Main Wall.
Forest Service Campground- This is the only free camping in Sinks Canyon and is subject to winter closures. Driving up the canyon, it is ~1/2 mile past the Missouri Geology Field Camp on the left
These are the campsite fees as of 2020
Off season: Oct 1 -April 30 - $6.00 Residents $11.00 for Non- Residents.
Peak Season: May 1- Sept.30 - residents $9.00 non-Residents $16.00
Wild Iris:
OK Coral- This is the most popular camping at Wild Iris. DON'T DRIVE ON THE ROAD AFTER A RAIN. The dirt road gets really muddy and rutted out when people do this. Don't be an ass. Also use the bear boxes and don't leave food out.
Aspen Glades- Good option for a 2WD vehicles. Don't camp past the fences and pack out your poop! A pit toilet was installed in July 2020 with support from WyoClimbers.
Where ever you end up staying, please be courteous. Pick up your trash, dispose of human waste properly, and reduce your impact.
Classic Climbing Routes at Lander Area
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