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Hassler's Hatbox Route

5.7, Trad,  Avg: 3.4 from 58 votes
FA: Hassler Whitney & Walt Sticker, 1949
Wyoming > Laramie Area > Vedauwoo > Hassler's Hatbox
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Description

This route is just right of Lucille and about 20 feet left of Cat's Cradle. As you top out on Walt's Wall, look left to the obvious Hassler's Hatbox formation.

Work your way through the rockstacle course and down to the start of what looks like a chimney. This climb is great for beginning trad leaders. The climb has it all, cracks, easy off-width techniques and stemming.

Rap down from the bolts at the top of Cat's Cradle. Note: there is usually a stiff breeze at the bottom, so belayers take an extra shirt or jacket. Don't forget water; you'll be thirsty after coming up Walt's Wall.

Protection

This route is easily protected with a standard rack. Larger cams at the start and for an anchor at the top, up to a #4 friend. About half way up, parallel cracks can by protected with smaller stuff, cams or passive gear.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The route.
[Hide Photo] The route.
Starting up Hassler's Hatbox Route.
[Hide Photo] Starting up Hassler's Hatbox Route.
Right at the start of the climb.
[Hide Photo] Right at the start of the climb.
Fun time through the hole at the top.
[Hide Photo] Fun time through the hole at the top.
Looking up the route.
[Hide Photo] Looking up the route.
Center crack: Lucille; Right Crack: Hassler's Hatbox route.
[Hide Photo] Center crack: Lucille; Right Crack: Hassler's Hatbox route.
Jennifer of Charleston, South Carolina about 20 feet up. She and her friend Camille were on their way to Jackson, WY and were told by a friend that they just had to stop at Vedauwoo on the way.
[Hide Photo] Jennifer of Charleston, South Carolina about 20 feet up. She and her friend Camille were on their way to Jackson, WY and were told by a friend that they just had to stop at Vedauwoo on the way.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

George Bell
Boulder, CO
 
[Hide Comment] Fun route! No offwidthing! Mar 22, 2004
JNE
 
[Hide Comment] This is one of the best moderates in all of Vedauwoo. This is an excellent climb to do after topping out Ed's Crack, especially if 5.7 is the grade you climb. Super fun climbing. Jul 20, 2006
taimi
Longmont, CO
[Hide Comment] No...Real...offwidth'ing. The double crack at the top is the best. Be forewarned, though--Hassler's Hatbox has seen little enough activity that birds have discovered the weather-protected nature of this crack. As of June 2009, a key hold at the crux is somewhat slimy. Jul 2, 2009
Gary Schmidt
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] Super fun route. I wouldn't call this a beginner trad route by any means (sustained and bit awkward in sections) but it does take gear every where and can be done safely. To get off find a two bolt anchor about 30 ft directly east of the route. One of Vedauwoo's best moderates. Perfect way to add some more adventure to an ascent of a Walt's Wall route. Sep 8, 2009
D Scott Clark
Chattanooga, TN
  5.7+
[Hide Comment] My favorite route in the Voo! It has everything and a very cool exit. Definitely worth climbing. Approach via Edwards Crack and not the convoluted approach in the book. Sep 28, 2015
matt mcintyre
 
[Hide Comment] This is my favorite 5.7 at the Voo. Be cautious of attempting the walk ff (my partner and I nearly got stuck on a ledge), better to rap from Cat's Cradle. Aug 17, 2018
Drew Eflin
Denver, CO
 
[Hide Comment] This route was so fun, didn't feel too hard, and had good pro. I will be back for it again. Aug 3, 2021