Wyoming’s Hidden Cathedral of Stone and Sky
Carved into the western slopes of the Bighorn Mountains, Ten Sleep Canyon is one of Wyoming’s most awe-inspiring natural corridors — a deep limestone gorge that winds for miles between towering cliffs, pine-covered slopes, and the glistening waters of Ten Sleep Creek. Beloved by climbers, hikers, and road-trippers alike, this canyon offers a rare combination of world-class adventure and breathtaking tranquility, just minutes from the small, welcoming town of Ten Sleep.
A Canyon Carved by Time
Ten Sleep Canyon gets its name from an old Native American measurement of distance — it was said to be “ten sleeps” (or nights’ travel) between the canyon and major destinations like Yellowstone or Fort Laramie. Today, it still feels like a place between worlds — a stunning passageway where ancient geology and untouched wilderness meet in dramatic style.
Limestone walls rise hundreds of feet on either side, streaked with orange and gray, shaped by millennia of water and wind. Ten Sleep Creek flows through the bottom, offering both beauty and sound as it tumbles over boulders and winds beneath willows.
A Climber’s Paradise
Ten Sleep Canyon is internationally known in the rock climbing world for its incredible limestone sport routes. With more than 1,000 bolted climbs — ranging from beginner-friendly slabs to elite-level overhangs — it’s one of the most concentrated and accessible climbing areas in the U.S.
Climbers flock here in the summer months, drawn by the high-quality rock, shady crags, and the laid-back vibe of the local climbing community. Routes have names like “Downtown,” “Slavery Wall,” and “The Ark,” and whether you’re clipping your first bolt or projecting a 5.14, there’s something here for you.
Even if you’re not a climber, watching people scale the sheer canyon walls adds a sense of awe and inspiration to any visit.
Hiking, Biking, and Beyond
The canyon is more than just a climbing destination — it’s also a dream for hikers, trail runners, and cyclists. The Old Highway 16, now closed to cars, offers a spectacular and peaceful route for biking or walking. Winding through aspen groves and pine forest with constant views of the cliffs above, it’s one of the area’s most scenic paths.
Several trailheads branch off from the main road, leading to alpine lakes, mountain meadows, and panoramic overlooks. Wildlife is abundant here — don’t be surprised to spot mule deer, marmots, hawks, or even a black bear in the early morning hours.
A Basecamp for Adventure
Camping in or near the canyon adds another layer to the experience. Leigh Creek Campground, nestled at the mouth of the canyon, offers easy access to fishing, hiking, and climbing — all set to the sound of the nearby creek. Further up, you’ll find Deer Haven Lodge and Meadowlark Lake, perfect for day trips, paddleboarding, or relaxing with a warm meal and a view of the high country.
Whether you’re in a tent, a van, or just driving through for the day, Ten Sleep Canyon makes an unforgettable stop.
A Canyon That Captures You
What makes Ten Sleep Canyon so special is not just the vertical rock, or the trout-filled creek, or even the views — it’s the feeling the place gives you. It’s the sense of peace, power, and possibility that seems to live in the stone and the sky. It’s a canyon that challenges and rewards, that invites exploration and reflection.
Whether you come to climb, hike, fish, or simply watch the sun set against limestone walls, Ten Sleep Canyon offers something rare: a wild place that feels at once expansive and intimate.
Come see what waits between the walls. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave.
Big Horn Basin Explorer 
Leave a comment