Matthes Crest - Photo TR

My good friend Sue came up from the Bay area for a few days of climbing. We enjoyed some sport climbing, but high on her tick list was Matthes Crest. While I had climbed Matthes Crest several years ago, I was pretty psyched to revisit the route again. Especially, since I have been mulling to a solo of the TMC link-up. We grabbed Trevor (who's always game for an adventure) and made a day trip out of it. The route was as fun as I remembered. As a bonus, there was not a single other person en route. We had the entire thing to ourselves. What a special day out with good friends.

Climbing in Lander - Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon

Teresa and I needed a change of scenery, so found ourselves a cute little airbnb, packed up the Subaru and headed off to Lander, WY for a week of sport climbing at Sinks Canyon and Wild Iris. Historically I have not been much of a sport climber, but I have really taken to clipping bolts and trying hard the past few months. Neither of us had been to Wyoming, and Lander seemed like a great place to pluck our butts down for some climbing, beer drinking and relaxing!

Teresa insisted on a non-climbing activity, so on the drive up we stopped at Bryce Canyon National Park for a bit of hiking and to check out the scenery.

Bryce Canyon

The park was not too busy, and we enjoyed a very nice 8 mile loop hike before doing the typical tourist drive through. Luckily the weather was pretty comfortable, not too hot!

Tower Bridge

Pretty desert views

Travel and Covid

We then headed across the desert and made our way to Lander. Its wonder little town, nestled at the base of the Wind River range. The surrounding land is hilly, green, lush and vibrant with color.

Red Canyon - Just outside Lander

The city is very welcoming, and has free 3 night camping at the city park. We took advantage of that for one night. Lots of climbers and vans.

Meal prep at the city park.

With unseasonably cool temps I was stoked to check out Sinks Canyon, which is a short 10 min drive from town. We spent a couple of days climbing at Sinks, checking out a variety of crags, logging in a bunch of moderate pitches. Fun times!

The "Killer Cave" centerpiece of Sinks Canyon. Lots of 5.13+ here!

Climbers at Sinks

Popo Agie River in Sinks Canyon

Our AirBnB was really nice. A small little guest house on a farm. Perfect. Close to Sinks and even came with a friendly farm kitty for visits!

Our home in Lander for the week

Fresh garden veggies everyday!

With the weather warming, we spent the next few days climbing at Wild Iris, the most famous crag in Lander. At 9000' nestled in among the trees with perfect white limestone, the place is truly sublime.  The climbs are short and fierce. I really enjoyed the routes, very bouldery and tough. Not my normal style!

Wild Iris

Working the moves on Tribal War.

We had a great time, and I am definitely adding Lander into the rotation of regular climbing areas to visit!

See you next year Wild Iris!