Rock Climbing in Cody, Wyoming

Cody Rock Climbing: Incredible Variety, Unbeatable Access

Cody, Wyoming is arguably one of the best places to visit in the country if you’re looking for a wide variety of world class rock climbing experiences with easy access and difficulties ranging from beginner to expert. Located just an hour away from Yellowstone National Park, Cody has over one thousand sport and trad climbing routes on limestone, granite, sandstone, and volcanic conglomerates.  We are permitted by the BLM and Forest Service to guide both educational rock climbing programs and custom rock climbing trips near Cody in several breathtaking venues including Shoshone Canyon, the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River, the North Fork of the Shoshone River, and many others.  Whether you’re looking for a first time climbing experience on your way to Yellowstone or if you’re an experienced climber and you want to push yourself to the next level, we can tailor a rock climbing experience in Cody just for you.

Multipitch climbing on M11 (22 pitches), one of the longest sport climbs in the country, near Cody Wyoming

Climbing in Cody at a glance:

Type of climbing:

All types – sport, trad, single pitch, multipitch, and bouldering

Difficulty of climbing:

All levels – Beginner through advanced with lots of moderates for developing climbers

Styles of climbing:

Pocketed limestone, techy granite, featured sandstone, cobbly conglomerate

Best season(s) to climb:

Spring, summer and fall

Best time of day to climb:

Morning and afternoon

Accommodations available:

Hotels, BnBs, western lodges, and developed campsites

Other activities in the area:

Hiking, biking, trail running, swimming, fishing, rodeo

Guided rock climbing programs available in Cody:

Our favorite places to climb in Cody:

Sport climbing in Shoshone Canyon
  • Shoshone Canyon – Shoshone Canyon is conveniently located only 5 minutes from the town of Cody and is home to hundreds of climbing routes on limestone, granite, and sandstone. Shoshone Canyon features the greatest variety of climbing styles of any climbing area in the region, with world class bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, single and multipitch routes with difficulties ranging from beginner to expert.  If you’re looking for a wealth of easily accessible climbing, Shoshone Canyon can’t be beat. Some of our favorite areas to climb in the canyon include the Bridge Bands, the Lower Canyon, Cedar Mountain, and the Sphinx.
The Clarks Fork Valley
  • The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River – The Clarks Fork is home to hundreds of trad climbing routes ranging from single pitch splitters to multipitch climbs up to 2000′ in length on high quality granite.  This massive trove of trad climbing is off the beaten path but all the more rewarding given its remote and wild character – and we intend on keeping it that way.  Without a doubt, the Clarks Fork is one of our favorite places to trad climb in Wyoming and we love sharing it with our guests in a safe and sustainable manner.
The Mouth of the Clarks Fork
  • The Mouth of the Clarks Fork – The Mouth of the Clarks Fork features some of the longest bolted sport climbs in the country.  Reminiscent of bolted multipitch limestone climbing in the Alps, the limestone climbing at the Mouth tends to be slabby and moderate in difficulty but adventurous in character with a desert alpine feel.  With several multipitch routes up to 22 pitches in length, the Mouth is an incredible venue for climbers who want to hone their efficiency and move quickly on big terrain.  Some of our favorite routes to guide in the Mouth include Valley Boys, Colter’s Rib, M11, and Forever.
The North Fork of the Shoshone River
  • The North Fork of the Shoshone River – The North Fork of the Shoshone River near Wapiti, Wyoming is one of the most unique volcanic landscapes in the world with hundreds of free-standing breccia towers that look like they could be in a Dr. Seuss book.  Despite their crumbly appearance, many of these towers have very good rock and feature incredibly fun bolted climbs up to 4 pitches in length.  If you like adventurous climbing on one-of-a-kind features in a wild and scenic landscape, the North Fork towers are not to be missed! Some of our favorite routes we guide in the North Fork include the Titan, Cinnabear, and Space Bear.

Resources for planning your trip to Cody:

Contact Us:

Interested in climbing with us in Cody? Send us an email with your name, email address, and brief description of what you’re looking for.

Wyoming Mountain Guides Logo JPEG