Illinois · Rock climbing · Simpson · Near Goreville

The Ranch

19 routes
5.8 – 5.12d
Sport · Trad
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is The Ranch open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name The Ranch, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Ranch is a climbing area in Illinois, part of the Forest Service's Shawnee National Forest in the Hidden Springs Ranger District. It sits among several other climbing areas, including Vista Wall and Belleville - Space Cowboy Wall, all within about a tenth of a mile. For a change from the rock, Jackson Falls and Middle Falls offer hiking within half a mile. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 77°F and October highs around 71°F, while July and August climb to the upper 80s. The area has 19 routes, mostly sport climbing with a single trad line. Grades range from 5.8 to 5.12d, with Condor at 5.11c and URSA Minor at 5.12d among the more challenging options.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 0.7 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Goreville
  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit The Ranch

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 25°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      59° / 37°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 63°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 66°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 57°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 46°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 37°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 29°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon Springs Agric Ctr, IL, 4.3 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (19)