Wild Iris is one of the most beautiful sport climbing areas in the U.S. It's hard to beat a warm summer day spent climbing the white limestone pockets of Wild Iris. And to top it off, you'll belay comfortably beneath a peaceful canopy of aspen trees. Sublime.
The climbs are mostly short, and occasionally sharp, but the climbing and experience is more than enough to compensate for these minor drawbacks. There are plenty of routes from 5.9 on up to 5.14, so most climbers will find more than enough to stay busy.
Wild Iris is located at Limestone Mountain at an elevation of 9,000 feet. The climbing season begins when the snow melts (early June) and can last into Fall. The high altitude makes summer climbing pleasant, but be aware that the weather can change at any moment - wind and cold storms are common all summer. Many of the climbs face south, so also be prepared for warm temps! Remember this is Wyoming - land of the extremes!
A number of primitive spots are available for camping, and an outhouse is located just up from the main parking lot. Closest supplies are located in Lander.
The Lander Bar comes highly recommended for food and drink - it's a climbing tradition!
Getting There
Wild Iris is located 24 miles southwest of Lander on Highway 28. Turn off the highway on Limestone Road and head up the dirt road. Head right at the first intersection and that will take you to the main parking lot. If you cross over South Pass (when coming from Lander) you've gone too far!
Resources
Wild Iris Climbing - Good information about Lander climbing, including condition reports for Wild Iris
Photos
The main area of Wild Iris as viewed from the Zorro Wall.
View of main wall from the trail heading from the parking lot
Red Canyon on the road to the Iris.
Photo by D. Albers.
Beautiful wild flowers near the Wild Iris...yes, the far hillside is completely covered in purple flowers.
Photo by D. Albers.
Sodas in hand, dirt roads, snowy mountains, and wild flowers: A rest day at the Iris.
Comments
climber73 Sep 3, 2007 Some bolts have been cut at Cowboy Poetry wall, but whoever cut them left the first bolt in place. I don't completely understand the intent of the bolt cutter, but I'm not a local. Sometimes the bolts really blend into the rock and are hard to see. This may be common sense, but make sure you can see the bolts and the anchors before starting any routes.
India Jun 28, 2008 There was a bear hanging out around the camp sites at Wild Iris this weekend. Please be aware, and extra careful with food, etc. in this area.
