Exploring 700C/Plumb Line Crag Bouldering in Wyoming’s Vedauwoo

Laramie, Wyoming
crack climbing
unnamed routes
bouldering
Vedauwoo
southern exposure
high elevation
Length: 15-20 ft
Type: Boulder
Stars
Pitches
bouldering
Protected Place
Medicine Bow National Forest
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"700C/Plumb Line Crag offers a scattered collection of crack-focused bouldering just north of Plumb Line Crag in Wyoming. Its quiet terrain and unnamed problems provide an authentic, hands-on challenge in the pines and pasture of Vedauwoo’s rugged landscape."

Exploring 700C/Plumb Line Crag Bouldering in Wyoming’s Vedauwoo

The bouldering found at 700C/Plumb Line Crag offers a quiet, rugged experience for those looking to engage with Wyoming’s unique rocky landscape. Located just north of the more prominent Plumb Line Crag, this area is a scattered collection of boulders that stand out mostly for their crack climbing, a style that rewards technique and patience over flashy moves. The problems here are older and often unnamed, marked instead by simple identifiers such as 'Unnamed Crack #xx', reflecting a climbing history that’s faded from collective memory but still offers solid challenges for crack enthusiasts. 

Approaching the boulders involves a bit of off-the-beaten-path navigation. Starting from the Vedauwoo Road, about 3.7 miles beyond the point where the pavement turns to dirt, you’ll branch off onto road 700C. Parking here sets you up for a walk down a closed road stretch of roughly 0.6 miles until you reach a left-hand turn leading to a small dome that stands out on the horizon. Before reaching this turn, veer off into the pasture and pine woods, heading southwest for about a quarter mile. This approach crosses open terrain and quiet forest—expect soft ground underfoot and the occasional wildlife presence that punctuates the stillness. 

The boulders themselves present crack climbs faced mostly to the south. Among the most noticeable features are a right-arching crack and a hand crack flake, both offering classic crack sequences for hands to fit and feet to smear. This area also serves as an alternate route to Plumb Line Crag, where a faint game trail skirts the western side of the large rock pile, blending adventure and practicality for climbers scouting multiple objectives.

Elevation here rests at nearly 8,000 feet, bringing thinner air and cooler temps that can influence your climbing stamina and gear choices. The seasonality mirrors the Wyoming high country rhythms, with the prime climbing window stretching from late spring through early fall when snow has melted and the days are long and dry. Weather can swing rapidly, so packing layers and rain gear is always wise.

One standout classic in this dispersed bouldering cluster is Unnamed Crack 2 (rated 5.8), a solid route that provides a true taste of crack climbing in the region alongside a rating that’s approachable without being trivial. While the rock type isn’t specified, the area’s reputation for sound formations suggests reliable holds and cracks that maintain integrity over time.

Climbers should be ready for mostly traditional protection style challenges, although this area is bouldering focused, so a set of pads and a keen eye for landing zones are crucial. The terrain around the boulders shifts between open pasture and patches of pine forest, so expect a blend of sun and dappled shade depending on your time of day. Plan your visit thoughtfully to avoid the hottest hours and to take advantage of softer morning or late afternoon light.

Vedauwoo and the surrounding Plumb Line area feel remote but accessible, offering that rare combination of solitude and a modest level of route development. This makes it a quiet spot for climbers who prefer peeling off the crowd and focusing purely on their technique against the layers and textures of sharp cracks. While no flashy features or named problems dominate the landscape here, the experience is raw and direct, carved out by the land and those who appreciate the subtle challenge of crack climbing.

Remember that GPS coordinates for the bouldering area remain imprecise, so staying alert and using landmarks such as the small dome and the bend in the closed road will help you find your way. With no fixed bolts or anchors reported, climbers should approach with a solid rack of traditional gear and bouldering pads to make the most of their session safely.

For those journeying through Wyoming’s adventure playground, 700C/Plumb Line Crag provides a grounded, no-frills escape into authentic crack climbing. It’s a place where the dimensions of nature stretch wide, and every move requires you to read the rock—and yourself—carefully. Pack your gear, set your sights, and let the quiet power of these unassuming cracks teach you another lesson in the art of climbing.

Climber Safety

The approach crosses open pasture and pine patches with uneven terrain. Rock is solid but lacks fixed protection, so use multiple bouldering pads and scout landing zones carefully. Weather can shift fast at high elevation, so be prepared for sudden changes and slippery surfaces after rain.

Area Details

TypeBoulder
Pitchesbouldering
Length15-20 feet

Local Tips

Park at the start of road 700C before the closed section and walk in as described.

Use the small nearby dome and road bend as landmarks since GPS coordinates are not fully reliable.

Approach early or late in the day to avoid peak sun on southern-facing cracks.

Carry enough layers for Wyoming’s variable weather, especially at nearly 8,000 ft elevation.

Area Rating

Quality
Consensus:The area offers mostly moderate crack problems around a 5.8 rating, with a reputation for authentic crack climbing that is straightforward rather than sandbagged or stiff. Its style is very traditional, favoring technique over gym-like difficulty and suits climbers comfortable with classic cracks rather than sport bolted routes.

Gear Requirements

Prepare for crack climbing with a solid set of bouldering pads and traditional protection gear. The area is primarily trad-style crack problems, most unnamed and old, so no fixed anchors are present. Expect to carry multiple pads for safer landings.

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Tags

crack climbing
unnamed routes
bouldering
Vedauwoo
southern exposure
high elevation