Location

Our classroom for the day is Vedauwoo, one of Wyoming’s most legendary climbing areas. Just 30 minutes from Laramie, the area offers solid granite, clean lines, and ideal terrain for learning and practicing lead climbing techniques.

A 15–20 minute approach hike through open forest leads us to the base of the routes, giving us time to warm up, observe the rock, and settle into the environment.

The Day Plan

We’ll meet at Laramie Basecamp to coordinate transportation, review personal gear, and go over the objectives and safety standards for the day.

The drive to Vedauwoo takes about 30 minutes and sets the tone for the day—good conversation, music, and a relaxed but focused mindset.

At the trailhead, we’ll organize the technical equipment and hike to the climbing area. Once there, we’ll start with a ground-based safety session, covering:

• Lead belaying fundamentals

• Clipping technique and rope management

• Fall dynamics and risk awareness

• Route reading and decision-making
  
  

After the briefing, we’ll progress to mock leads and real lead climbs, depending on experience and comfort level. The day includes multiple climbing rounds, personalized coaching, and optional practice falls in a controlled setting.

We’ll take breaks for food, hydration, and discussion between climbs. As the session wraps up, we’ll hike back to the vehicles and return to Laramie—often with tired forearms, big smiles, and maybe plans for a post-climb drink to celebrate the day.