Hot Springs County High Point Trip Report
Washakie Needles
Date: Summer 1997
Author: Bob Packard
Washakie Needles is definitely a worthy entry in the Apex list.
First off, I drove in there to a locked gate and camped figuring I'd do it from there.
But two cowboys showed up driving horses and told me I had to get permission from the ranch owner.
So I drove out to Thermopolis, called the owner, went to his house.
Not only did he give me permission, but he also gave me a key to the gate,
so I was able to take 2-3 miles off the hike.
No problem until the last
100 feet which is nearly vertical and is exposed 4th class.
I doubt that I would have done it except that I had my 50 foot rope
with me which gave me the confidence to go up places I knew I didn't want to go down.
Very intense route finding. I gave myself 4 little 15-20 foot belays on the way down.