Even though Utah has some of the best outdoor recreation in a world, sometimes it’s nice to get away and explore the mountains of neighboring states. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming contains a classic mountain range that is a short drive from Utah, and the Tetons are filled with legendary rock climbing routes like the…
Category: Climbing
Rock climb the “S-Curves” of Big Cottonwood Canyon
Moderate routes, easy access, and nice climbing on blocky quartzite, means the S-Curves in Big Cottonwood Canyon is among the more well known climbing areas along the Wasatch Front. The S-Curves have a wide variety of bolted routes from easy, to Jedi Master-only roofs. Among the buffet table of grades at the S-Curves, there is…
Mammut Tusk 9.8 climbing rope review
When it comes to climbing ropes, a rope is a rope. At least that’s how I felt after 10 years of rock climbing. But there are differences between ropes, as small as they may seem. The Mammut Tusk 9.8 climbing rope does the job like any other rope meant for sport, trad and ice climbing,…
“Transformer” a moderate climb on the difficult Static Wall
Transformer is a lesser-known sport climb in the otherwise overcrowded Storm Mountain Area in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Located at the Static Wall, Transformer is a good chance to get away from the crowds lining up to climb the easier routes. There are only three climbs on Static Wall, and unless you are an expert 5.13 climber, then…
Rock climbing in the Wasatch Mountains
Rock climbing in the Wasatch Mountains has a deep history thanks to generations of climbers who pioneered routes on the granite and quartzite in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Every canyon that spills down from the Wasatch into our backyards along the Salt Lake Valley is filled with world-class crags and climbing routes. Pick up…
Join Black Diamond’s SLCA Fundraiser
Black Diamond Equipment is hosting the 1st annual Salt Lake Climbers Alliance Fundraiser. The event will take place on Thursday, May 20th from 6-10pm in the courtyard at Black Diamond headquarters at 2084 East 3900 South in Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake City Climbers Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving access to rock…
Urban climbing at Sport Utility Wall
The Sport Utility Wall is a large crag just north of Pete’s Rock in the Mount Olympus area. Right next to Wasatch Boulevard and above I-215, it is an urban climbing area with lots of noise but sweeping views of the Salt Lake Valley. Featuring moderate sport climbs, it’s a good place for a spring…
Four classic Little Cottonwood climbs
Spring is finally here in the Wasatch! While the peaks are still decked out in their winter coat, the canyons (or their sunny sides, at least) are beautiful, warm, and dry. A few weeks ago, I hit up some uber-classic Little Cottonwood trad lines and had a thoroughly fantastic time. With lots of sun but…
Climbing film “Core” to screen at Brewvies
The new rock climbing film “Core” will screen at Brewvies on Thursday, April 22. It’s the latest from filmmaker Chuck Fryberger who says it, “exposes the contrast in landscape and lifestyle that defines the sport. A close examination of each character offers perspective beyond just their achievements on the stone.” That’s pretty deep. I suspect…
Five easy towers for climbing novices
Desert towers are just plain cool. You get all the awesomeness that comes from normal rock climbing with the added bonus of topping out on a summit! But climbing in the desert can be pretty darn terrifying. The bolts spin, the rock breaks apart, and the gear falls out. But it doesn’t have to be…