vedauwoo

V E D A U W O O

VEDAUWOO

Introduction . . History . . Climbing . . New Routes . . Current . . Vertical Dance

During Precambrian times, the aging and shrinking earth developed a "wrinkle" that trended in a southwesterly direction from Wyoming into northern Colorado. Along this wrinkle about 20 miles east of Laramie (WY), natural forces conspired to sculpt its coarse grained mixture into a collection of strange and bewildering shapes over the next several millennia. At an altitude of 8,000 feet, Vedauwoo (pronounced vee-da-voo), aka “Land of the Earthborn Spirit”, is a secluded rocky oasis filled with dense pine forests and groves of aspen trees. It is surrounded by a seemingly endless expanse of high plains and lies under a dome of intense cerulean blue sky. Views from the tops of the crags are stunning, and one can see from Wyoming’s ragged mountains clear down the Continental Divide to Long’s Peak, some 75 miles south in Colorado. A multitude of free-ranging animal species are commonly found here, including many smaller mammals as well as antelope, deer, cattle, climbers and an occasional black bear or cougar. Today, modern adventurers come here to sample semi-primitive camping, hiking and climbing within a setting of alien rock formations and scenic valleys found only at Vedauwoo. This is 'high country' and wind is ever present, whether just a light breeze prowling through the aspen groves or near hurricane force gales. Storms of near bestial proportions are spawned in the Snowy Range about 50 miles to the west and many times descend unannounced upon the valleys of Vedauwoo. Should you decide to visit, you might want to check the weather prior to coming, especially in the early spring or late fall. There is a live cam near Vedauwoo, another south of Cheyenne (if you're coming up from the south, live cam 2). In fact, no matter what the conditions or season, come prepared for change. It can occur in an instant! So whatever you decide to do here, from aggressive sports like climbing or trail running, to more quiescent activities like attending the Vertical Dance Festival, camping or wandering around the back country, the promise is one of a unique and unforgettable experience. More on camping and other subjects of interest (opening dates, road closures, etc.) can be found on the current page as well as on the U. S. Forest Service website and Vedauwoo.Org .

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