Guided Rock Climbing in Maple Canyon, Utah

Top three reasons to go rock climbing in Maple Canyon

At just below 7,000 feet, Maple stays cool even in the height of the summer
Excellent spot for transitioning from climbing gym to crag
If you’re looking for sport climbing in Utah, Maple Canyon is where it’s at

Challenge yourself by climbing Utah’s conglomerate rock in Maple Canyon! You’ll practice orienting your body to the shape of the holds and tackling new terrain near gorgeous Salt Lake City. Tucked on the east side of the Wasatch Range, the steep conglomerate of Maple Canyon features a range of grades for climbers looking for a warm-up or a slot canyon experience. You might feel like you’re in an outdoor gym, complete with epic views and expert guides to show you the best this area has to offer. Find out more about why Maple Canyon is one of the ultimate locations for rock climbing in Utah from Cody Bradford, an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and 57hours Ambassador.

Season

Year-round, but the best seasons are spring and fall (September is prime)

Nearest city

Salt Lake City, Utah

Duration

1 day

Skill level

Beginner to advanced

Most Popular Itineraries

Join Maple Canyon climbing guides for a personalized day on the rocks. Climbing on conglomerate rock is unique, and whether you’re looking to transition from the gym to outdoor climbing or want to hit up one of the classic sport routes in the area, a local guide will show you the best spots. Warm up in Zen Garden or get challenged in Box Canyon — your day of climbing is tailored to your ability level, desired difficulty and style of climb.

This half-day option is a great way for beginners to see what climbing is all about, or a quick way to climb some routes when you don’t have the time for a full day. Practice basic skills in a controlled setting or try out some of the famous shorter routes in the Canyon! Pick any of the 700 bolted routes on conglomerate rock that are waiting to be climbed, and make the most of your time with a guide — only the sky is your limit!

Maple isn’t just all about single-pitch sport climbing, there’s also some incredibly fun multi-pitch with bolted anchors and rappels to experience. If it’s amazing exposure you’re looking for, there’s Tachycardia on Heart Rock. There’s also Changing the Stripes Buttress just up the canyon. Make the most of your time in Maple Canyon and let a guide plan the perfect day so you can focus on climbing.

Meet your guide

Red River Adventures

In business since 2006, Red River Adventures is owner-operated, and proud to have AMGA-certified Mountain, Rock and Alpine Guides and Single Pitch Instructors on staff.

Reviews (3)

Custom experience - exactly what we wanted!

Grant S about Red River Adventures on Trip Advisor

1000% recommend. Even if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for on their website, give them a call!! They may be able to accommodate.

My girlfriend and I called Red River asking for a half-day of instruction for installing our own outdoor top-roping anchors for rock climbing. Even though that specific activity didn’t exist on the site, Carl happily agreed to teach us at a reasonable rate.

He met us in Wasatch and provided outstanding instruction. The whole experience was safe, educational, and a total delight. It was exactly what we were looking for.

Carl is a great teacher and a great guide to spend some time with. We highly recommend Red River Adventures.

Half day rock climbing

John S about Red River Adventures on Trip Advisor

Our guides was outstanding and we had a great time! Two adults and a 8 and 9 year old child. Morgan was able to keep us all going and challenged, he showed great patience with our kids and we all got some climbing in. Highly recommend it, they even provided all the equipment (helmets, harnesses, and climbing shoes).

We LOVED Red River Adventures!

Sara P about Red River Adventures on Trip Advisor

We did 3 different adventure outings with Red River and each one was exceptional!
The first was rock climbing in the Salt Lake area. Tommy our guide was very knowledgeable and connected so well with my two teenage boys. He is the reason my older son is now pursuing certification in rock climbing! Our second adventure was Canyoneering. Our guide took us on one ULTRA fun adventure through the red rock in Moab. We were repelling off giant cliffs under huge rock arches. Safety was his top priority, and he was really into teaching us about the rope systems he used. PURE JOY is the only way to describe that adventure. The final adventure was back in Salt Lake on a multi pitch climb with the owner. Amazing day on the rock. We will absolutely be back to have more fun with Red River.

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Salt Lake City, please refer to the Salt Lake City county website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

This is what you get on this adventure:

- An experienced, certified climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- A half-day or full-day of guided rock climbing based on your chosen itinerary
- All technical climbing gear
- Transportation from the meeting point to the climbing site

What’s not included:

- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food and snacks

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

Maple Canyon has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, Maple Canyon has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

- Helmet
- Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
- Rock shoes* (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
- Ropes
- Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

- Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
- Water bottle
- Food you can eat on-the-go
- Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and prices:

- Group sizes are usually between 1–3 people with one guide, but you can also go with a larger group of up to 6 people per guide.
- Costs per person decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
- Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Climbers under the age of 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but a guardian will need to provide a signed waiver before an outing with the guide.
- For most options, kids aged 8 and up can go out and try climbing!

If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Salt Lake City, Utah, is home to the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Maple Canyon is located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest around two hours south of Salt Lake City.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet in Maple Canyon — either at the climbing area’s parking lots or nearby markets/coffee shops. From there, you’ll head to the crag and begin your day of climbing!

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