Baldwin Creek Climbing Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Baldwin Creek Climbing Area

The Baldwin Creek Climbing Area, maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is one of the most pristine rock-climbing opportunities in the contiguous 48 states. The BLM works to preserve remote and historically significant places like Baldwin Creek. Protected as a valuable natural asset, the Baldwin Creek Area is subject to the BLM regulation requiring each camper, hiker, angler, or rock-climber to leave no trace behind.

Located about 15 miles east of Lander, WY, and accessed via an incredibly rough road, the three-mile-long Baldwin Creek Climbing Area features some of the most challenging dolomite climbing in the world. During the Ordovician Age, dolomite structures formed underwater between 470 and 450 million years ago as sediment gradually grew deeper over time at the bottom of a shallow sea. These formations developed a uniform structure with few cracks or other flaws, making them the most challenging natural deposits for climbers to navigate. The Baldwin Creek Climbing Area features 50 established bolted routes that climbers follow, limiting their impact on the area.

Bureau of Land Management campers visiting this area find themselves within 160 miles of Grand Teton National Park, 163 miles of Yellowstone National Park, and 303 miles of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Popo Agie Falls Trail

Beginning at Bruce's Parking Lot near Lander, the Popo Agie Falls Trail is an in-and-out pathway that follows the river westward to an impressive waterfall. There are several outstanding views of the canyon floor from the trail that moves along the canyon wall's crest.

Length: 3.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Silas Lakes Trail

Visitors hiking this in-and-out trail are sure to get a good workout. The documented elevation gain of over 1,000 feet does not include the multiple times hikers ascend the rocky path to crest hills and then descend to cross streams. This trail is an excursion into Wyoming's past when vast numbers of moose, deer, and black bears roamed the land.

Length: 6.9 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Angling and rafting are everyday activities in this part of Wyoming, and whitewater rafters, in particular, have a great time in the late spring, early summer, and late fall. Anglers find rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and brown trout in every stream, including Baldwin Creek.

Climbing

Dolomite formations offer the most challenging ascents worldwide. The hard surface has few flaws, requiring bolts to establish routes. The Baldwin Creek Climbing Area is the most difficult climb in the region. Other, less-challenging dolomite climbs are available nearby in the Sinks Canyon and Wild Iris areas.

Wildlife Viewing

There is abundant wildlife of every type in the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area and the surrounding region. Moose, deer, elk, black bears, cougars, bobcats, and raccoons find habitats near streams and above the cliffs. Eagles, falcons, owls, and vultures patrol the skies.

Picnicking

Picnic areas abound in the forests about Lander, WY. Several nature trails, hiking trails, and biking trails lead to impressive views where picnic tables beckon families to enjoy what nature offers. However, the BLM has not provided such amenities inside the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area.

Stargazing

Climbers who reach the summit at the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area find it rewarding to spend a night beneath the vivid night sky. In the canyon below, the hills and trees limit the scope of the display, but the distinct colors remain memorable for any who view them.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The Bureau of Land Management offers developed and undeveloped campgrounds near the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area. Developed BLM RV camping sites provide extra amenities and charge a fee. A popular developed BLM camping site near the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area is Atlantic City Campground, located 30 miles south of Lander. The campground offers 18 sites with picnic tables, metal fire rings, three vault toilets, three water fixtures, and three bear-proof trash bins. RV campers may stay up to 14 days at the cost of $3 per night.

Free Camping

A Bureau of Land Management free camping site close to Baldwin Creek Climbing Area is the Big Atlantic Gulch Campground located near Atlantic City, WY. There are 18 established sites with fire rings, picnic tables, a vault restroom, and water.

RV Rentals Near Baldwin Creek Climbing Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Baldwin Creek Climbing Area BLM trip

If you plan a trip to the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area, be sure to look in advance for available campgrounds. When you use the search phrase "BLM camping near me," a list of campgrounds near Baldwin Creek Climbing Area populates the screen.

After finding the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area, take note of the amenities available. Pack your RV appropriately, especially if the campground is in a remote location. Check your RV before embarking for wear and tear in essential points such as hitches, tires, and frames. Test your internal systems, including electricity and water. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM Leave No Trace regulation protects fragile lands. In environments like those found in the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area, the biospheres require the assistance of visitors to remain intact. In the case of the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area, climbers stay on designated routes designed to minimize impact. When camping, use established campsites wherever possible. Hikers and bikers should stay on trails as wandering through the forests impacts plants crushed underfoot and compacts the soil beneath. Always use a metal fire ring, or, if one is not available, try a wide skillet with a high edge to capture any ashes.

Baldwin Creek Climbing Area Location

The roads leading to the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area are rough and should not be pursued in a low rider or two-wheel-drive vehicle. To get to the site from Lander, WY, take United States Highway 287 West (US-297 W) past Lander High School to the intersection with Baldwin Creek Road. Turn left and go for 7 miles to its end and get onto Shoshone Lake Road. This road is a series of switchbacks climbing rugged terrain through the Mormon Basin. Beyond Mormon Basin, stay on Shoshone Lake Road for another 6.5 miles till you reach the Baldwin Creek Climbing Area parking area and trailhead on the left.

Ready to visit Baldwin Creek Climbing Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.