COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Two Days of Classic Multi‑Pitch Climbing in the Wasatch Range
A focused, two‑day guided program that links sport and multi‑pitch trad routes across the diverse granite, quartzite, and limestone crags around Cottonwood Heights.
Two Days of Classic Multi‑Pitch Climbing in the Wasatch Range.
Rock climbing in Northern Utah's Wasatch Range around Salt Lake City and Park City is remarkably diverse: within a few miles you can find granite, quartzite and limestone, and a mix of top‑rope learning areas, sport climbs, and classic multi‑pitch traditional lines. Through a special‑use permit the guide accesses cliffs throughout Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and within the Lone Peak, Twin Peaks and Mt. Olympus Wilderness Areas, tailoring each two‑day trip to the group's interests and skill development needs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three Contrasting Stones in One Range
The Wasatch packs granite, quartzite and limestone into a compact area, so a two‑day program can expose climbers to a wide range of rock textures and movement without long transfers.
Long, Moderate Multi‑Pitch Objectives
Guides commonly choose long, moderate multi‑pitch lines in the 5.5–5.10 range — examples include Steorts Ridge (5.6), Outside Corner (5.7), Penta‑Pitch (5.8), the West Slabs (5.6) and Black Streak (5.10b) — making for sustained days on rope.
Permitted Access into Signature Canyons
Guided access is provided under a U.S. Forest Service special‑use permit, allowing trips into Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and adjacent wilderness areas to reach both short sport crags and remote multi‑pitch faces.
What the day feels like
What Two Days on Wasatch Rock Feels Like
Expect two full days focused on rock: one day can emphasize accessible single‑pitch sport crags and skills development, and another can be devoted to climbing several pitches off the ground on long, classic routes. Each trip is tailored to the group's goals — whether a guided ascent for enjoyment or an instructional clinic to learn to lead and run multi‑pitch climbs safely — with choices of objectives across moderate grades.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this two‑day program suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs as a two‑day guided outing (total trip duration: 2 days).
Guides tailor outings and instruction to group goals; climbers should be confident with basic climbing techniques and should consult the operator for a detailed gear list and pre‑trip recommendations.
The offering is run by The Backcountry Pros LLC and uses permitted access into Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and nearby wilderness areas; contact the operator for meeting details and trip specifics.
Published trip rates list a solo trip at $1,000 and a two‑person trip at $1,300.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the guided climbing program?
The program is run over two full days.
What experience level do I need?
Climbers should be confident with basic climbing techniques as a pre‑requisite; trips can be tailored for instruction but participants must meet the guide's baseline skill requirements.
What types of rock and routes will we climb?
The Wasatch offers granite, quartzite and limestone, and guides commonly select a mix of single‑pitch sport areas and multi‑pitch trad routes in the 5.5–5.10 range.
Where do the climbs take place?
Guided access covers cliffs throughout Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons and within the Lone Peak, Twin Peaks and Mt. Olympus Wilderness Areas.
Can I use the trip for lead‑climbing instruction?
Yes — the day can be organized as an instructional clinic to safely learn to lead and execute multi‑pitch climbs independently under professional guidance.
What are the trip rates?
Rates are listed at $1,000 for a solo trip and $1,300 for a two‑person trip.