In the rugged sandstone landscape of Southeast Central Vedauwoo, Wyoming, Coke Bottle commands attention with its unmistakable silhouette—a steep bulge dividing Fall Wall and Walt's Wall. Bathed in sunshine most of the day, this formation offers climbers an intense experience characterized by gnarly rock surfaces scarred with vertical water streaks and scattered with embedded chunks of foreign stone. The climbing here is notoriously demanding yet thrilling, with routes that test endurance, technical skill, and mental grit.

Coke Bottle boasts a rare combination of sport routes and traditional lines, many of which have earned legendary status among local climbers. Climbers seeking a formidable challenge will find it on Silver Salute (5.13b) and Panther of the Weak (5.13a) — routes with very few free ascents and pitches that push the limits of free climbing. For those prioritizing sustained finger and hand crack climbing, Fourth of July (5.12a) offers a grueling, continuous fight up a steep, jamming crack system. Alternatively, Horn's Mother (5.11a) is a classic offwidth that will test your technique and patience.

On Coke Bottle Right, the impressive Space Oddity (5.12a) ascends a steep slab with sharp features that demand precise footwork and confidence on thin edges. Not far from the crux slabs, Mainstreet (5.10a) presents another steely offwidth challenge that embodies Coke Bottle’s reputation as the home of the hardmen.

For contrast, TM Chimney (5.7+) winds its way up the interior of the formation providing a less intense but still satisfying climb. This diversity allows climbers of varied skill levels to engage with the rock in their own way.

Accessing Coke Bottle is straightforward: park in Fall Wall Parking Lot and head west toward the towering, steep, right-hand slab that forms part of Coke Bottle Right. The approach is well-marked and moderate in effort, with clear visibility of the formation from the trail.

Safety-wise, be prepared for challenging rock textures and some loose 'warts'—patches of foreign rock embedded in the sandstone surface—requiring careful route reading and protection placement. Rappelling from the top is safe and well-established, with multiple anchor points. Raps vary in length from 60 to 120 feet depending on your starting station; a pair of 60m ropes is ideal. Alternatively, a well-worn hiking path allows for a descent from the northeast side.

Climbs on Coke Bottle often demand a blend of strong endurance, crack climbing skills, and confident footwork on steep slabby sections. The rock’s character leans toward hard-fought, unrelenting sequences rather than brief explosive moves, making it a terrain for steady climbers aiming to test their limits.

The broader Vedauwoo region, situated near Laramie, Wyoming, is known for its unique sandstone formations and high desert environment, granting climbers expansive views and dry weather conditions that favor climbing outside the wetter summer months.

Classic routes such as TM Chimney (5.7), Fallout (5.9), Mr. Rockbiter (5.9), Mainstreet (5.10a), Dollywood (5.10c), Horn’s Mother (5.11a), Bell Crack (5.11b), Boardwalk (5.11b), and Light From Blue Horses (5.11b) range from accessible to advanced, providing a balanced itinerary for varied skill levels. Whether you're eyeing 5.7 chimney jams or contemplating one of the intimidating 5.13 grade sport lines, Coke Bottle offers a climbing experience with a rich sense of history and rugged Wyoming character.

Prepare for a day that challenges your strength, hones your crack technique, and rewards you with views of the striking sandstone spires and open skies unique to Vedauwoo. Whether you climb for the thrill or the skill refinement, Coke Bottle delivers an uncompromising playground for those who seek it.