Wild Iris  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  8,800' Lat, Long:  42.5792, -108.718 Map Page Views:  177,729. Good page? (3 likes)    Administrator:  Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Andy Laakmann on Jul 11, 2006 Make this area a Favorite What's New Guidebooks (2)  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 73° | 45° 73° | 46° 70° | 46° 66° | 43° 63° | 46°

BETA PHOTO: The main area of Wild Iris as viewed from the Zorr...

Description 

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

The Classics

Featured Route For Wild Iris

Gaucho 5.10d  WY : Wild Iris : Zorro Area

This is my favorite 5.10 route at Wild Iris. The route consists of big moves between large pockets on an overhanging wall. This pumpy route ends at a small ledge, with a difficult move to clip the anchor. Being tall helps... ...[more]   Browse More Classics in WY

Photos of Wild Iris Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: View of main wall from the trail heading from the ...	Red Canyon on the road to the Iris. Photo by D. Al...	Beautiful wild flowers near the Wild Iris...yes, t...
Sodas in hand, dirt roads, snowy mountains, and wi...

Comments on Wild Iris

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Show which comments — All Comments (3) Just Beta and Conditions (3) Just Conversational and Off-Topic (0)

By climber73 From: Fort Collins, CO 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.

By 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.

By Climbersfestival Jun 3, 2012

climbersfestival.org/ 2012 ICF Poster Submitted By: Climbersfestival on Jun 3, 2012