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Wyoming · Rock Climbing
Medicine Bow, Wyoming doesn't show up on most climbers' radar, but the small cluster of routes here rewards those who make the drive.
6 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 6 spots
Medicine Bow, Wyoming doesn't show up on most climbers' radar, but the small cluster of routes here rewards those who make the drive. The area's six listed routes span a range of styles — from the friction-dependent movement on Groovy Slab to the more technical crack work on Lee's Finger Crack and the constricted stemming of First Chimney and Second Chimney. Sharp Corner rounds out the mix with its own distinct character, and Baby Turtle serves as the central climbing area anchoring the whole spot. The route variety is modest but genuine, making this a reasonable destination for climbers who want to work on specific skills rather than tick a long list. Crack technique, slab balance, and chimney body positioning are all on the menu. Because the area sits in Wyoming's high plains and foothills, afternoon wind can pick up fast and temperatures swing hard between morning and midday. The relatively short drive from Laramie makes it a practical half-day or full-day objective rather than a multi-day expedition. Don't expect crowds, fixed draws, or a developed crag scene — this is a low-infrastructure spot where self-sufficiency matters.
The area has something for intermediate climbers looking to develop specific techniques. Groovy Slab is approachable for climbers building slab confidence, while Lee's Finger Crack and the two chimneys demand more practiced technique. Beginners should come with an experienced partner rather than treating this as a learning-from-scratch destination.
A standard trad rack is worth having given the crack and chimney routes on the list. Bring a range of hand-to-fist-sized pieces for Lee's Finger Crack, and larger gear for the chimney routes. Slab shoes with sticky rubber will serve you better than stiff boots on Groovy Slab. Check conditions before you go — Wyoming rock can be sharp and abrasive, so tape is a good call.
Baby Turtle
Accessible Wyoming crag with varied routes for developing climbers.
Lee's Finger Crack
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
Cherokee DiveBomb
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
Laramie Range
~20 min drive
Diverse granite climbing in Wyoming's high-elevation Laramie Range.
Sharp Corner
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
Manic Hysteria
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
Curtis Gulch and La Bonte Canyon
~26 min drive
Wyoming canyon climbing with single and multi-pitch routes in a scenic gulch setting.
Groovy Slab
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
A Child of Destiny
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
Laramie Peak Sides & Summit
~38 min drive
Alpine climbing on Laramie Peak's sides and summit in Wyoming.
Second Chimney
A worthwhile stop near Wyoming.
Friend Creek Pinnacle Region
~43 min drive
Remote pinnacle climbing in Wyoming's backcountry.
Late spring through early fall is the practical window, with June through September being the most reliable. Snow can linger into May at elevation, and early fall storms can arrive in September. Summer mornings are the sweet spot — start early to get climbing done before afternoon wind and thunderstorms roll in, which is a consistent pattern across this part of Wyoming.
Morning is strongly preferred in summer. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August, and wind picks up significantly by midday. Aim to be on the rock by 7 or 8 a.m. and plan to wrap up by early afternoon. In shoulder seasons like May and September, afternoon windows can be fine, but watch the sky.
The area has a small number of listed routes and a low-key local scene, so confirming current access status before your trip is worth the effort. Check with the local climbing community or a Laramie-area gear shop for the most current information on land management and any seasonal closures — this is not the kind of area where you can assume everything is well-signed on arrival.
