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Baldwin's Chimney

5.4, Trad,  Avg: 2.4 from 67 votes
FA: ? Baldwin
Wyoming > Laramie Area > Vedauwoo > Nautilus
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Description

Number 2 in the wide crack intro course (see Easy Jam), Baldwin's Chimney is a noticeable jump up in difficulty, primarily due to the length of the route. At the left end of the Parabolic Slab, on the NW side of the crag, find this little beauty. Use all the considerations in the Easy Jam description, and proceed with confidence. Consider neoprene kneepads to lessen the pain- you can really get into a knee-foot stance so much easier if you are not wincing every time you weight your knees. Focus on securing your lower body in the crack, then pushing off your legs to advance to the next stance. The descent succumbs to moderate exploration.

Protection

Stuff.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

A side view of the chimney.
[Hide Photo] A side view of the chimney.
Baldwin's Chimney was enjoyable, too bad it's not longer. Getting across to Parabolic Slab requires some commitment.
[Hide Photo] Baldwin's Chimney was enjoyable, too bad it's not longer. Getting across to Parabolic Slab requires some commitment.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Anonymous Coward
[Hide Comment] Re: your pro comment... Are you advocating a headpoint for this route?

Seriously, thanks for the recent burst of Vedauwoo info. I'm definitely going to take another look at the place. Any historical info is especially appreciated since the guide leaves it out. Aug 31, 2001
Theo Barker
Loveland, CO
[Hide Comment] If you follow the instructions in the book and walk (tight squeeze) all the way up under the chockstones, start climbing there. There are a number of places to place (active) pro doing it that way. It also makes the climb fairly short, but with some interesting, but positive moves to get from underneath the top chockstone to the top of it. We found that we had the best luck facing WSW as we climbed and went around the SE (left) side of the chockstone. Found the upper chockstone a good location to anchor in and belay a toprope for Mother #1. Did the airy rap off the Parabolic, Wow! Aug 5, 2002
Chad Bowman
  5.2
[Hide Comment] I'm not a HUGE fan of the route, but it does get you up to do the rap off of the Parabolic! As for active pro, you don't need it. All I ever take up this route is a set of nuts and a couple mid range hexes. And I NEVER use all of them. Belay at the top chockstone, take the hop across to the parabolic, and take one of the coolest raps in the Voo! I'm gettin ready to take my Dad, who hasn't climbed in 30 years, up this for the rappel!This makes for an easy couple hour trip from Chy town that is more than worth it! May 19, 2005
taimi
Longmont, CO
  5.4
[Hide Comment] With no guidebook but memory, we looked at the climb and took lots of big stuff--Big Bro's and #5 Cams. That was a mistake. Luckily, I also took a couple of smaller cams and a rack of nuts "for the belay"--and those, I used. The first chockstone can be slung very easily, and above there are plenty of placements for nuts and smaller cams (#1 and down). Finally, on the second chockstone, I got to place the #5, mostly because I had already carried it up. It really is a delightful climb--always secure moves, gear whenever you might really want it. Aug 6, 2008
Cory Harelson
Boise, ID
 
[Hide Comment] I found the pro on this route to be great. A nice warmup, and a good way to get to Parabolic Slab.... Jul 27, 2009
Timmy Kessel
Fort Collins, CO
  5.4
[Hide Comment] Started off chockstone, fun chimney with a fun little roof move, used a 0.75 for roof. Jul 9, 2017
Bailey Moore
Laramie WY
  5.4
[Hide Comment] Fun chimney with good protection. There are some nice placements for medium to small cams on the crack system within. Sep 1, 2018