The Pile is a rock climbing crag located in the lower-most section of the S-Curves area in Big Cottonwood Canyon. On a hot summer day, The Pile is the perfect place to hang out and climb as it’s tucked away in a shady side-canyon filled with trees. Adding to the cool atmosphere is a waterfall that feeds a small stream which trickles by the belay stations.
There are five sport climbs on the east-facing cliffs ranging from 5.10a to 5.12b, making The Pile a good place to come back to time and again for those working on projects. However, there are a few moderate climbs for those of us that don’t have “the gnar” as it were, such as Gomer Pile (5.10a) and Dog Pile (5.10b.) As a moderately difficult route, Gomer Pile is a very popular climb. It is the left-most line on the crag, right next to a large, curving tree.
Gomer Pile is a 60-foot climb with five bolts plus anchors at the top. The route is notable for its overhanging quality and sustained difficulty from the bottom to the top. Big, juggy holds provide plenty of pumped forearms and tricky foot placements on short, traversing moves to make things interesting. The route stays on the arete, although many will be tempted to go left where the climbing is easier. Bring seven draws for the route.
Another moderate climb at The Pile is Dog Pile. It’s a shorter route on the far right of the cliff and is rated at 5.10b. Like its sister climb by the tree, Dog Pile is also requires pumpy moves on a steep face. Because of the pump that will fill your forearms, it’s good that this climb is short. Plus, it has a large fin in the middle where you can stand for a breather. But getting atop that fin is the crux that will make your muscles scream. Fancy footwork is the key to this climb. Dog Pile requires six quickdraws, four for the route and two for the top.
Other climbs at The Pile are too difficult for this author to even attempt, much less write about. They include Left Pile (5.12b), Pile Surgery (5.12a), Compiled (5.12b), and Right Pile (5.11d).
To get to The Pile, drive 4.25 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the S-Curves lot. Cross the road to the north and enter a side canyon at the Hidden Falls Trail. Follow the trail a short distance, and cross the stream to the cliffs.