Steamboat Point seen from Highway 14. The trail ca...
Description
This prominent reef of Bighorn Dolomite looms over Highway 14 and provides sunny sport-climbing in a scenic setting. Despite it's proximity to this major mountain highway, only limited development preceded a flurry of activity which began a few years ago. Steamboat has developed into the best moderate sport crag on this side of the Bighorns; there are currently 16 bolted pitches 5.10 or under, most of which are great quality.
Being so new, the amenities of a developed crag are still in the process. There are no defined trails yet, and many of the climbs have some loose rock due to lack of traffic and the sometimes friable dolomite(helmet is recommended). Tick marks have yet to be installed as well. However, if you're willing to do without these perks, your payoff will be some fine climbing without a crowd.
There are many routes on all sectors of Steamboat and on the massive boulders below the cliff. The walls described here have seen the most traffic thus far, but certainly aren't all the area has to offer.
Getting There
From the tiny town of Dayton at the eastern foot of the Bighorns, drive west 13 miles on Highway 14 up its many curves and switchbacks. As it begins to plateau out, look right and Steamboat will be the obvious cliff rising on the ridge above the highway. Park in a large pullout on the left side of the highway opposite Steamboat. Carefully cross the road and slog up an abandoned jeep trail (really steep at first but mellowing out shortly). This trail actually accesses the summit of Steamboat and is a relatively popular local hike. Continue along the trail until it nears the south face and then head up the hill to the base of your desired wall.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Steamboat Point:
Pull up some nice edges on the yellow lower face. Make tenuous moves up to and over the small bulge (tricky clip) and ride the steep slab to the top. A bit sharp, but fun. ...[more]Browse More Classics in WY
By John J. Glime From: Salt Lake City, UT Dec 7, 2007
This is a great piece of rock (sure is sharp though), with excellent views. Highly recommended! I first started climbing there in 1993, we did lots of routes, how the years go by.
Sorry for the lousy pic. I remember seeing pictures of Heidi Badaracco (sp?) in Climbing Magazine back in the mid-80's on these boulders. I've scoped them out, and it looks like there are OLD anchors on top of one or two. Anybody have any beta? <<< Invalid image id: 106689902 >>>
I don't really know the full history of the boulders, as they are so obvious and alluring from the highway I know lots of people have played on them over the years. Apparently, Mark Wilford soloed the 50' west-facing immaculate slab (10+/11- friction) of the uphill one--pretty damn bold for sure. The only old anchors I know about were on the nice edge-covered slab of the right-hand boulder with the fenceline splitting it. I added one or two other sets above some of the nice TR/highball options. There could be some really hard tall problems here.
Rock Climbs of the Eastern Bighorns is finally on the shelves! It provides comprehensive beta for Steamboat Poing and the other major crags of Sheridan/Buffalo area. Available at retailers throughout the area like: Rendezvous Trading Co., Backcountry Bicycles, Bighorn Mountain Sports, Sports Lure. PM me if you want a copy mailed.