Daniel Brayak | Ten Sleep Canyon
After a brutal 30-hour haul from Denver, we rolled into Ten Sleep Canyon at sunset. No prime campsites, so we crashed roadside and moved to Leigh Creek pay site the next morning—just $13/day split four ways. Totally worth it.
“Hunting Wolverines” 5.11c
Photo: Julia Statler
Day one, we hit the “Home Alone” crag—literally a 60-second approach. Blew the flash but sent “Always Keep It Loaded” (5.12a) on my second go.
“Dragonfly” 5.11d
Photo: Julia Statler
Day two, we tackled “Ice Plant.” Still dialling in limestone style, I stuck to the “easy” lines but managed to flash “Dragonfly” (5.11d—felt like 11a) and repeat “Hunting Wolverines,” which felt closer to 12a this time.
“Circus in the Wind” 5.11a
Photo: Julia Statler
Third day: back to the Circus Wall above Ice Plant. Morning shade, perfect lines. Onsighted “Circus in the Wind” (5.11a)—a must-do. Burned “Circus in My Pants” (5.12d) but focused on fast sends.
“Valhalla Wall”
Brutal hike, epic payoff.
The slog to Valhalla was insane—steep, exposed, unforgiving. But the payoff: three onsights at 5.11, including “Hanoi Hilton” (5.11d) and the pocket-fest “Bikini Girls w/ Machine Guns” (5.11a/b).
“Bikini Girls w/ Machine Guns” 5.11a/b
Possibly the most manufactured route I’ve climbed—but damn, what a classic. Perfect two-finger drilled pockets up a clean vertical wall. 10/10.
Bob Value working “Fun Stripe”