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W.C. Fields

5.7, Trad, 70 ft (21 m),  Avg: 2 from 7 votes
FA: unknown
Wyoming > Laramie Area > Vedauwoo > Nautilus
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Description

W.C. Fields is an obscure, fairly tight chimney on the front of the Nautilus. The base of the route is quite vegetated, which is probably part of the reason why it doesn't attract much attention despite being in the middle of the most popular area of the Voo.

Scramble up to the start of the chimney or traverse in from the right. Once inside, a hand and fist sized crack that offers good protection soon appears on the left wall. The chimney widens near the top, which comes as a relief after wiggling around in the tight confines below. Upon topping out, you'll see Outrider's bolted anchor.

Location

W.C. Fields is the deep chimney just left of the bolted route Outrider. It's a 1-2 minute walk left from the Friday's Recess area. To descend, rappel from the bolted anchor atop Outrider.

Protection

Cams #1 - #4 (doubles in hands/big hands) offer reasonable protection for those confident in their chimney technique. Can be sewn up with BD #6, #7 & #8.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

When I solo on-sighted this, I brought some cams that I could place on a leash to protect any short insecure bits, but I couldn't tell what sizes would be needed... turns out you shouldn't bring anything on this climb if soloing! ;-P
[Hide Photo] When I solo on-sighted this, I brought some cams that I could place on a leash to protect any short insecure bits, but I couldn't tell what sizes would be needed... turns out you shouldn't bring an…
W.C. Crack on the left, and Hamburger Crack ascends the right-facing corner behind on the right. Jim Jam Area is on the tier above.
[Hide Photo] W.C. Crack on the left, and Hamburger Crack ascends the right-facing corner behind on the right. Jim Jam Area is on the tier above.
Pod Awful is on the left, W.C. Fields is on the right.
[Hide Photo] Pod Awful is on the left, W.C. Fields is on the right.
Beware the brush... then it gets good!
[Hide Photo] Beware the brush... then it gets good!
Spooky....
[Hide Photo] Spooky....
The W.C. Fields chimney.
[Hide Photo] The W.C. Fields chimney.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Mark Thomas
Broomfield, CO
 
[Hide Comment] You can walk off via the Jim Jam area to the base of Friday Recess at about Class 3-4. This route is harder than Hamburger Crack but has more protection potential, but bring your wide cams! Sep 4, 2019