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Clam Shell

5.5, Sport, TR,  Avg: 2 from 32 votes
FA: unknown
Wyoming > Laramie Area > Vedauwoo > Fall Wall
Warning Access Issue: Bad Bolt Submission Form & USFS press releases DetailsDrop down

Description

This is an easier friction climb that goes up the left side of a huge rock (sorta clam shell like) that leans against the Fall Wall. Jump across from a boulder and cruise to the top.

Location

To set a top rope, scramble from the right to the start of E.O. Friction and E.O. Lieback. Move to the left side of the huge, leaning rock, drop a rope (60m was plenty), and rap to the start.

Protection

Originally - none.

Per Mark Roth: 2 bolts and an anchor, now.

Per JF M: there are now four shiny Metolius hangers (11/1/14) and a pair of double-ring rap anchors.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Tristan climbing on the Clam Shell.
[Hide Photo] Tristan climbing on the Clam Shell.
Just fun.
[Hide Photo] Just fun.
Overall view of the Clam Shell.
[Hide Photo] Overall view of the Clam Shell.
The route starts up the dished out section on the left side.
[Hide Photo] The route starts up the dished out section on the left side.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Mark Roth
Boulder
[Hide Comment] Looks like this has 2 bolts and an anchor now.... Aug 5, 2012
David Battiste
Renton, WA
  5.4
[Hide Comment] Great intro to Vedauwoo rock. Friction/slab technique all the way up. Take your time, and enjoy the climb. Look for small quarts nuggets or bowls to advance. No crux. Bring 4 draws and two-anchor setup. Can be completed with 50m rope. Enjoy! Mar 23, 2015
Sarah Z
Golden
[Hide Comment] Sounds like this is now a sport climb? May 19, 2021
Cory N
Monticello, UT
[Hide Comment] Definitely. Last time we were on the Fall Wall, we rapped over this to get down. It's definitely got some bolts on it. May 20, 2021
adamsc
Arvada, CO
  5.8
[Hide Comment] This is a bolted sport climb that is rated 5.8 in the guidebook. I feel like that's fair for the opening moves. The original 5.4 grade posted to MP is beyond sandbagged. The difficult moves are protected with bolts now, so this is a very worthwhile route to get mileage on Voo friction. Jul 10, 2023
Rachel Pressler
  5.8
[Hide Comment] The true start is a 5.8. Maybe it's a 5.5 if you "jump across from a boulder" like the OP.

Be careful on the dismount if you're rappelling. Had the best luck by stepping onto the large rock right below the first move so you don't swing to climber's left and go for a ride.

The first move is well-protected but very spicy. Zero hands, and it is more or less an alley-oop, pistol squat onto the shell. Jul 10, 2023
Casey M
SL, UT
 
[Hide Comment] Climbed this route to get to EO Lieback and the rest of the climbs on Fall Wall. I am not sure how'd you get to them otherwise. I agree it felt harder than a 5.5. The opening move to just get on the shell is tricky and honestly a bit sketchy. The rest wasn't so bad. Jun 17, 2024