High above the weathered boulders and ponderosa pines of Wyoming’s famed Vedauwoo, the Upper Tier of Plumb Line Crag waits with its quiet, studious confidence. At nearly 8,000 feet elevation, this upper ledge is less a stage for crowds and more a retreat for climbers seeking challenge, adventure, and a bit of solitude. If your climbing ambitions point toward the 5.10 to low 5.12 range, and you value the character of traditional gear placements, Upper Tier is calling.

Your journey begins as you branch off the main track to Plumb Line: at the last fork, head north, trading beaten paths for the faint etchings of climber’s boots through open forest. About 100 yards beyond, the approach turns interactive—a playful scramble up oversized boulders, bigger even than those at the neighboring Lower Tier. Rope remains optional here for the approach, but agility and sure footing are assets. In dry conditions, experienced hikers may find this hop satisfying and straightforward.

Arriving at the Upper Tier brings a sense of reward. The wall presents a varied assortment of single-pitch cracks, seams, and faces, most demanding thoughtful gear choices and a steady hand. The featured lines shine here—elegant and mostly traditional, with some mixed options to keep things interesting. While the area boasts a healthy handful of notable routes, it’s the overall vibe—crisp air, panoramic skies, and the ever-present sense of Wyoming's open space—that draws dedicated climbers again and again.

Climbers will find a series of classic lines, many clocking in at 5.10 and 5.11, with both power and subtlety on display. Breezy challenges the patient with its 5.9+ gear-protected path up seventy feet of discontinuous cracks. High Society and Euroboy, both 5.10, demand precise movement and reward cool heads—especially Euroboy, which has become a favorite for those hungry for clean rock and engaging sequences. For those feeling confident, The Spins and Closer to the Sun at 5.11 run steeper and deliver rewarding exposure in a compact package. Silver Dollar, Edward Humid Hands, Guan Ho, and Closing Time expand the menu for trad leaders, with subtle differences in style and protection. Each climb at Upper Tier delivers a distinct experience, fostering growth and memorable moments whether you’re pushing into new grades or sharpening your traditional craft.

What really sets the Upper Tier apart is its capacity for immersion—quiet, concentrated climbing away from crowds, with routes that teach and test in equal measure. The altitude keeps things cool, and the wind drifting across Vedauwoo’s plateaus often dries the rock quickly after storms. Most routes are pure trad, requiring thoughtful placement and a solid rack of cams and nuts. Bolted anchors are rare; leaders will want to build their own, supplementing occasional fixed gear and managing longer descents as needed.

Although feedback on grades suggests they are fair for the region, Vedauwoo has a reputation for keeping its ratings honest—expect to earn your ticks here. The climbs are neither sandbagged nor coddled; instead, they offer an upfront accounting of difficulty that rewards persistent and careful climbers.

For the descent, rappelling or carefully downclimbing is the norm—prepare to build anchors if fixed gear is busy or unavailable. On quality days, Upper Tier becomes a sanctuary from Vedauwoo’s windier lower crags, granting both physical space and mental clarity. With big Wyoming skies above and boulders below, this is climbing in its elemental form: raw, rewarding, and refreshingly simple.

If you’re up for a journey that blends challenge with open-air beauty, Upper Tier awaits your next visit. Pack a full rack, bring your most adaptable partner, and go climb where the lines rise toward the wide western sky.