Ten Sleep Canyon is one of America's premier rock-climbing destinations — a stunning limestone gorge slicing through the Bighorn Mountains just east of the tiny town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming. With more than a thousand bolted sport-climbing routes on its sheer dolomite walls, set amid pine forest, rushing creeks, and pretty waterfalls, it draws climbers from around the world to the Bighorn National Forest.

Climbing is the main event. The canyon's walls offer technical face routes on vertical to gently overhanging rock, peppered with pockets, crimps, and edges that demand precise footwork — with a huge range of difficulty (roughly 5.6 to 5.14, concentrated in the 5.10–5.12 grades) and many crags just a short walk from parking. A cluster of climbs sits right around the scenic Ten Sleep Falls and Leigh Creek Falls, where pink-streaked rock and falling water make a gorgeous backdrop (the falls also form a notable ice climb in deep winter).

A few important notes for visitors. This is a sensitive, heavily used area: a moratorium on new route and trail development has been in place since 2019 while the Forest Service, the Bighorn Climbers' Coalition, and the Access Fund work out a long-term climbing management plan — so stick to established routes and trails, follow posted guidelines, and support the local climbing coalition's stewardship.

Beyond climbing, the canyon is simply beautiful, with scenic Highway 16, hiking, and waterfalls for non-climbers to enjoy. Summer and early fall are prime. Come with proper gear and experience (or hire one of the local guide services if you're new), bring plenty of water, respect the access agreements, and pack out everything. For climbers, Ten Sleep is a world-class pilgrimage.