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PLASTIC PARADISE: Wall-Nut Creek - Kelley, Iowa
  Enlargeust when you thought you were out, the 15 more feet of bouldering pulls you back in. Photo: Courtesy WNC / iowaclimbing.com
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Where is it?
Wall-Nut Creek is located in Kelley, IA (3 miles South of Ames) on University Boulevard (530th Avenue).
What’s in it?
Wall-Nut Creek is housed in a century old dairy barn. It’s Iowa’s first dedicated rock gym and has been open since 1994. WNC features 3,900 square feet of climbing. Rope climbing includes top ropes and leads to 27’. The bouldering is extensive, with two top-out boulders and lots of overhanging terrain. WNC also features the only indoor “ice climbing” in the state with a 24’ foam ice wall.
What’s the standout feature?
The monster 60-degree overhang emerging from the basement capped with a 15’ tall top-out bulge. The cave provides 32 surface feet of climbing. It also allows 75’ of constant overhanging lead climbs.
What are your age requirements?
No restrictions for climbing. Kids must be 14 to belay.
Contact:
Wall-Nut Creek Climbing Gym
27563 530th Ave.
Kelley, IA 50134
Phone: 515.460.4121
Email: ash@iowaclimbing.com
Website: iowaclimbing.com
The Local
Ken Slaba
Age: 29
 EnlargeAfter you get your crimp on, it’s time to get your crampons and hit the “ice” wall. Photo: Courtesy WNC / iowaclimbing.com
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What is good about the gym?
WNC is true grassroots climbing at its best – a retired dairy barn converted into a climber’s paradise with something for everyone: bouldering caves, overhanging lead walls, simulated ice climbing, and much more.
Psych us up. Describe the best boulder problem in the gym right now.
It starts on an unforgiving under cling below the popcorn box feature. Get a high right foot and fall back left into a pinch on a razor sharp flake. Swing out right and hit a 1/2 pad crimp, then switch feet and move thru two more harsh crimps. Bump right to a golf ball sized sloper, pull your foot up to your waist and shoot for the top.
Four words that best describe the gym.
Devotion, Camaraderie, Challenging, Unique.
When are the best sessions?
Monday night sessions often revolve around setting new routes, a core group of regulars welcome input as new projects get put together.
Any inside info we should know about?
Dress warm – Iowa winters are relentless.
Rate the gym from 1 to 10 and why.
Definitely a 9. What the gym may lack in size it makes up for in personality. UC
