Wyoming · Rock climbing · Lander

Fossil Hill Central

Fossil Hill Central in Wyoming has 17 sport climbing routes across 11 grades.

17 routes
5.8 – 5.12c
Sport

Is Fossil Hill Central open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Shoshone National Forest.

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

Best time to visit Fossil Hill Central

Best months: June–September. 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

    30° / 1°

  2. Feb

    31° / 7°

  3. Mar

    38° / 13°

  4. Apr

    46° / 21°

  5. May

    57° / 29°

  6. Jun

    69° / 37°

  7. Jul

    78° / 43°

  8. Aug

    76° / 42°

  9. Sep

    67° / 33°

  10. Oct

    52° / 23°

  11. Nov

    37° / 12°

  12. Dec

    29° / 5°

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Atlantic City, WY, 15.8 mi away at 7,821 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Fossil Hill Central is a climbing area in Wyoming's Shoshone National Forest, within the Washakie Ranger District. It is managed by the Forest Service, and it sits right beside Fossil Hill East and Fossil Hill West, which are both about 0.1 mile away. The place is a hub for sport climbers, with 17 routes spread across it and its neighbors. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. July typically brings highs around 78°F and lows near 43°F, based on typical averages from a nearby weather station. Winter is far colder, with January highs around 30°F and lows near 1°F. The station sits about 1,000 feet below the hill, so temperatures up high run cooler. The routes here are all sport. The YDS grades range from 5.8 to 5.12c. Merely Mortal is a 5.11a, and Sauce is a 5.12c. The first ascent of Merely Mortal was made by Sue Miller in 1991, and that of Sauce was by Frank Dusl. Hugh Otte campground is about 1.3 miles away, and Sinks Canyon Campground is about 1.7 miles away. The Middle Fork hike starts about 1.2 miles off. Paddlers can reach the Middle Popo Agie River about 2.9 miles away.

Routes (17)