Contact Us

Outdoor Program

Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, Rm. 141

1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3604

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2402

Email: op@uwyo.edu

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Climbing Wall

Spring 2021 Hours

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the wall is unfortunately closed. At this time we do not have a specific timeframe of when it will re-open. Please check the website periodically for updates

Policy/Rule Updates

The wall is open for bouldering only. The bouldering area is divided into 4 sections. Each of the 4 patrons will use only one section for the entire duration of their 60 minute block.
6 foot social distancing will be strictly enforced by our staff. If a patron needs to be repeatedly reminded, they may be asked to leave the facility.
Each section is set with a variety of problems in both style and grade.
No powdered chalk is allowed in the facility. We have installed 4, FREE liquid chalk dispensers in the facility. There also are liquid chalk tubes available for purchase in the Half Acre vending machine.
Climbing wall cubbies are not available. If you need to store shoes/other belongings, please check out a locker from the Equipment Rental desk.
Patrons will be required to wear a mask in accordance with University of Wyoming policy that covers both nose and mouth.
Rental shoes are not available at the Equipment Rental Desk. However, an equipment rental appointment may be made with the Outdoor Program and you may rent climbing shoes for the semester through November 20th for free. Outdoor Program Rental Agreement applies.

General Information

There are bouldering, lead climbing, and top-rope climbing routes. The wall has multiple cracks, a cave, overhung areas and less-than vertical climbing surfaces. The wall also has an inclined campus board with three sets of rungs.

Climbing wall, top-rope, and bouldering policies.

Access to the Half Acre Climbing Wall is determined by access to the entire Half Acre facility. At this time that is dictated by Half Acre COVID-19 Policy.

The climbing wall is free to all paid facility users. Skills checks and introductory climbing wall clinics are also free.

The Outdoor Program offers a full spectrum of climbing clinics, classes, and trips. These include:

Intro Climbing Wall Clinic
Indoor Lead Climbing Clinic
Outdoor Sport Climbing Clinic
Intro to Multi-Pitch
Trad is Rad
Climbing Movement Clinics
Outdoor Climbing Foundations
Intramural Climbing Competition
Friday Night Bouldering Series

For full descriptions, dates, and to register, please visit our Events page.

Annual skill checks are required for top-rope climbing at the wall. Skills checks are for people who have prior climbing experience. You need to be able to demonstrate (without prompting) how to properly:

✓ Get into a harness

✓ Tie into a harness

✓ Perform a safety check of your climbing partners equipment

✓ Belay

✓ Break a fall and lower a climber

✓ Demonstrate basic commands between climber and belayer

If you feel you can demonstrate these skills proficiently, ask the wall staff member for a “skills check” during rope climbing hours. Participants who successfully complete the skills test must also complete the waiver and assumption of risk form. If you do not have your own equipment, we can provide it for you. If you cannot demonstrate these skills without prompting, then a climbing clinic is for you.

Annual skill checks are required for lead climbing at the wall. Skills checks are for people who have prior climbing experience. You need to be able to demonstrate (without prompting) how to properly:

✓ Get into a harness

✓ Tie into a harness

✓ Perform a safety check of your climbing partners equipment

✓ Demonstrate proper belaying and rope management

✓ Break a fall and lower a climber

✓ Have completed the top-rope skills check within the last year

✓ Lead climb 5.8 without falling/multiple attempts

✓ Demonstrate a safe fall

✓ Demonstrate proper clipping technique (no back-clipping or Z-clipping)

✓ Demonstrate basic commands between climber and belayer

Harnesses, helmets, rock shoes and belay devices are free of charge for use at the climbing wall during top-rope climbing hours. Rock climbing shoes are available at the equipment checkout desk for use at the climbing wall only (for outdoor rock climbing shoe rentals, please see our outdoor rental equipment information).

Renting the Climbing Wall

UW and non-UW Affiliated groups may rent the climbing wall. All rentals must meet UW and Campus Recreation guidelines for insurance, eligibility, and must follow all climbing wall policies.

To reserve the wall, start by completing the facility request form.
Someone from our staff will get back to you in regard to availability and scheduling.
Please note the two primary rentals that can occur at the wall, below.

Rent the climbing wall for bouldering! Bouldering is a simple, fun activity. Basic instruction and an orientation to the climbing wall will be provided. Typical rentals are two hours in length, but can be longer or shorter (min. of one hour).

Group size is limited to 70.
One climbing wall staff is required ($15/hour)
Rock climbing harnesses are not provided with this rental.
No waivers are required.
Top-rope climbing is not included.
Facility rental fee of $50/hour is required.

Rent the wall and have your group learn to top-rope climb! These rentals are a minimum of two hours and can be divided into multiple days. Add on additional hours to allow participants the opportunity to practice their new-found skills. Participants must be 16 years old or older in order to belay other climbers. Participants 14 and under can top-rope climb while being belayed by our staff, while other climbers in the group can enjoy bouldering on the bouldering wall. All groups utilizing the ropes must have a parent or guardian complete the waiver and assumption of risk form prior being allowed to climb.

Group size is limited to 18.
A minimum of two hours is needed for an introductory climbing wall clinic ($50/hour for the rental of the facility)
Three instructors are required ($15/hour/instructor during regular hours; employee cost is doubled after hours)
Shoes, harnesses and belay devices are provided.