What gear do I need to climb at The Shipyard?

The route mix includes both crack lines (Crusoe Crack suggests you'll want a standard rack with cams and nuts) and sport-style routes, so a full trad rack plus a set of quickdraws covers most scenarios. Bring a 60-meter rope at minimum. Helmets are worth wearing given the nature of the rock on the eastern Big Horn front.

Is there an access fee or permit required to climb in Story?

There is no permit system specifically listed for the Story climbing area based on current information, but access situations can change, particularly on private or mixed-ownership land common in Wyoming foothills terrain. Check with the local climbing community or a current guidebook before your trip to confirm access status, especially for newer routes.

Are there any other climbing areas near Story worth combining into a trip?

Tensleep Canyon, roughly 90 miles west on US-16, is the most significant climbing destination in the broader Big Horn region and is worth building into a longer Wyoming climbing trip. Story itself has 42 listed routes, which is enough for a dedicated two to three day visit on its own, particularly if you're working through the variety at The Shipyard.

Wyoming · Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing in Story, Wyoming

Story, Wyoming sits in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, and the rock climbing here punches well above what most people expect from a small ranching town on US-14.

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Rock Climbing · 42 spots

Story, Wyoming sits in the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains, and the rock climbing here punches well above what most people expect from a small ranching town on US-14. The Shipyard is the anchor of the local scene — a developed climbing area with enough named routes to keep you busy across multiple visits, ranging from crack lines like Crusoe Crack to arete problems like Paintbrush Arete to longer sport routes with names like The Kraken, Hydra, and Cyclops that hint at the area's personality. With 42 active listings in and around Story, there's a real spread of styles and difficulties represented, from approachable lines to routes that will test experienced climbers. The rock is sandstone-adjacent high plains stone typical of the Big Horns' eastern front, which means texture and conditions are heavily tied to recent weather. Most climbers treat Story as either a dedicated destination or a stop on a broader Wyoming climbing trip that might also include the Tensleep Canyon corridor to the west. The local route names — WY'lin Out, Keep Your Busch Lite, Blame It On El Nino — tell you something about the community that developed this crag: unpretentious, a little irreverent, and genuinely stoked on the climbing.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time of year to climb in Story, Wyoming?

Late spring through early fall is the primary window, with May, June, September, and October generally offering the most reliable conditions. Summer middays can get hot on south-facing walls, so early morning starts are worth planning for July and August. Snow can linger into May at elevation and return by October, so check conditions before making a long drive.

What skill levels are represented at The Shipyard?

The Shipyard has routes spread across a range of difficulties, and the 42 listings in the Story area reflect a mix that includes lines suitable for intermediate climbers working on technique as well as harder routes like The Kraken and Hydra that will challenge experienced leaders. If you're a beginner, you'll want to come with someone who knows the area, as this isn't a heavily staffed or guided crag.