The Grasshopper Wall at Ten Sleep Canyon’s French Cattle Ranch sector offers climbers a distinctly raw and demanding experience. This wall was the first in the sector to see bolted routes—a historic moment that planted some of the area’s most revered climbs. The rock’s character is immediately apparent: intense stripes of blue, black, grey, and gold paint a striking canvas upon close approach, but the real story is in the texture—bullet hard with minuscule edges, subtle knobs, and small pockets demanding both delicate footwork and honed finger strength.

From the moment you step onto the approaches near Sector D'or Et Bleu, the atmosphere sets a serious tone. The stone does not suffer fools, and neither will the routes here. Notable climbs that draw climbers back season after season include Lil Smokey (5.11a), an original bolted route that helped put this wall on the map, and Kielbasa (5.12c), known for its relentless yet rewarding challenges. For those pushing into higher grades, Esplanada (5.12d), Blue Light Special (5.13a/b), and Super Mama (5.13b) present increasingly technical and physical tests that define the wall’s reputation.

Approaching the wall is straightforward for those familiar with Ten Sleep Canyon’s layout. Located just to the right of Sector D'or Et Bleu, the access route involves a modest hike through classic canyon terrain. The elevation here sits at around 8,009 feet, which can bring cool mountain air and the scent of pine. Plan your visit for the prime climbing months when precipitation is minimal and temperatures hover comfortably, generally from late spring through early fall.

Environmental stewardship is front and center at Ten Sleep. Recent concerns about raptor nesting have led to closures in nearby sectors, underscoring the need for climbers to respect wildlife and abide by seasonal restrictions. This stewardship extends to a firm policy against new route development, ensuring that existing climbs preserve their ecological context. Such measures foster a sustainable climbing culture that balances adventure with conservation.

For gear, climbers will find the wall mostly bolted, though the small edges and pockets require precise technique rather than heavy protection racks. Route length varies, but expect mostly single-pitch climbs that reward careful gear placement and controlled movement. The rock’s hardness means that protection hardware stays firm, but the thin holds up the ante in terms of finger strength and foothold precision.

Descending from the climbs usually involves careful downclimbing or rappelling, depending on the route and your comfort level. Always double-check anchors before trusting them—past alterations in the canyon remind us how important route integrity is for safety. Familiarize yourself with local descent strategies to avoid surprises and keep the adventure smooth and safe.

With classic climbs like Escape From the Pod (5.10c), Hot Dog (5.12b), and Dances With Cows (5.13a), the Grasshopper Wall offers a spectrum of steep challenges framed by beautiful Wyoming canyon vistas. Its reputation for stiff, technical routes with hard-edged rock invites climbers ready to test their mettle, whether stepping up from moderate sport climbs or chasing their next redpoint at the upper end of the scale.

If you’re seeking a climbing experience where precision matters and rock quality demands respect, the Grasshopper Wall is a compelling destination. Its blend of history, hard stone, and bold routes carve out a must-explore niche within Ten Sleep Canyon’s wider climbing legacy.