Covid measures in Salt Lake City

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 traveling 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!

What you get in this adventure package: An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area 4-8 hours of rock climbing each day (depending on your chosen itinerary) All technical climbing gear What’s not included: Transportation Accommodations Food and snacks

How fit do I need to be?

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.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City 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.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment can be provided by your guiding service on a first come first serve basis. 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 Ropes Rock shoes Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Here’s a list of the equipment you should 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 age requirements

Group sizes and prices: Group sizes are usually between 1–4 people with one guide, but you can also go with a larger group of up to 8 people with 2 guides. Cost per person will 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. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

Located southeast of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, the Wasatch Mountain Range is really easy to reach. Salt Lake City is home to the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are a quick 25 minutes away from the same airport (22 miles). Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet — 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!

Guided rock climbing near Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City | Utah

Rock Climbing near Salt Lake City

5.00 ()

Season

April to November

Nearest city

Salt Lake City is 30 minutes away from Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons

Duration

1 day

Difficulty

Guides

Willie Benegas, Todd Passey, Wasatch Mountain Guides

From $250 () / 1 day

Got any questions?

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

If you’re looking for a good introduction to climbing, Salt Lake City in Northern Utah is a great spot to start! This outdoor destination holds a high spot in climbers’ minds year-round. The Wasatch Mountain Range features sites such as Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons offering plenty of single-pitch crags ideal for sport climbing and skills development. Routes here also range from 5.5-5.11 on quite slick but bomber quartzite, granite or limestone. This area is also top accessible, making set-ups a breeze for more time on the rock. Escape the city crowds and enter the world of unique climbing near Salt Lake City!

Cottonwood Canyons hold a high spot in climbers minds year-round
Crags are close together with a variety of grades at each
Escape the crowds with close crags and a variety of grades

Available itineraries

Learn To Climb With a Guide

Still new to rock climbing? Join your expert and friendly guide that will show you the fundamentals of climbing. Practice the moves under their watchful eye in a safe environment and get some experience under your belt. Get 100% comfortable climbing outside and learn the basics of equipment, outdoor ropework, anchors, and much more — the guide will tailor the day according to your personal goals. You’ll want to come back and climb again as soon as the day is over!

Half-Day of Climbing With a Private Guide

Enjoy a half day exploring the most rewarding climbing Salt Lake City has to offer! This is your time to master the foundational skills in a controlled setting and with the best guiding in the region. You’ll get an individualized and guided rock climbing trip in an approachable time frame and in the heart of rock-solid Utah. Need more convincing? Countless classic routes stack the skyline in this mountainous wonderland. Waist no more time, experience Salt Lake City climbing while perched high above the Salt Lake Valley and make only the sky your limit!

A Customized Day of Climbing with a Private Guide

Spend a day out climbing in the remarkable Wasatch Range! The Wasatch Range has a multitude of climbing routes and a variety of grades. Explore the magnificent Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon, Rock Canyon or Maple Canyon, and find your perfect climbing spot! Spend the day with a guide who will custom-tailor every minute around your specific skills and desires. Whether you are new to the sport, looking to advance your skills, or simply seeking adventure, the Salt Lake City area has something for you!

Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Day

Experience rock climbing in its purest form and find your own perfect route of up to seven pitches! Discover many incredible long to moderate routes to choose from in the 5.5 to 5.10 range. Treat yourself to the finest routes the area offers, such as Steorts Ridge, Outside Corner, Penta-Pitch, the West Slabs, or Black Streak. Select from instructional climbs to adventure outings with the very best experts. Explore the area and climb a variety of multi-pitches on this all-day Wasatch adventure!

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Meet your guides

5.00

Willie Benegas

IFMGA mountain guide

Based out of Sandy, Utah, his home in the Wasatch Mountains, Willie is the co-founder of Benegas Brothers Expeditions. He’s an IFMGA Mountain Guide, AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide and has been to the summit of Mount Everest 13 times. With a stack of accomplishments too long to list, if you’re looking for someone to guide you on the mountain, there’s no person more qualified or experienced than Willie.

5.00

Todd Passey

Originally from Utah, Todd is a highly accomplished guide with an IFMGA certification along with certifications from the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) as a Rock Guide, Alpine Guide, and Ski Mountaineering Guide. Todd's extensive guiding experience spans numerous countries and all 7 continents. One of Todd's notable achievements is successfully ascending all Seven Summits, including Kilimanjaro in Africa (1 time), Elbrus in Europe (4 times), Aconcagua in South America (2 times), Denali in North America (22 times), Carstensz in Oceania (7 times), Vinson in Antarctica (24 times), and Everest in Asia (2 times). Currently, Todd Passey resides in Utah's Wasatch Mountains.

5.00

WMG is dedicated to demonstrating its passionate commitment to workplace sustainability, its deep-held understanding and love for nature, and a dedication to protecting the wilderness areas we all visit is taught on each and every WMG adventure.

5.00 (4 reviews)

Rock Climbing Near Salt Lake City

Gustav Rodewald

My children (ages 10 and 13) and I enjoy indoor climbing and we hired Todd to help us get some outdoor climbing experience. I told Todd a little bit about what we were capable of indoors and he took us to a site that was both doable and challenging. He was also a great coach. He helped my 10 year old struggled to find the way up the rock but Todd coached her through it and she got to the top. I highly recommend as a rock climbing guide.

Willie is one of the best mountain guides in the world.

Reagan R.

He has the highest level of formal guide certification as an IFMGA guide. Willie is an expert in all climbing, skiing and mountaineering disciplines. However, it is Willie’s passion for the environment and for teaching that really separates him from other guides. Willie is a wealth of knowledge and skill, and he can help any adventure seeker have an epic trip in deep powder, on any rock or on any mountain.

Highly recommended!

Paul K. (source: In the Company of Guides)

I have ice climbed and skied with Todd. He is a great teacher and great company. A couple of years back we climbed the Great White Icicle in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah , which was a 5 pitch WI 2/3 climb with my wife Maria and Todd. It was a great experience and a nice introduction to water ice. Hope to get back to SLC sometime soon to do some climbing with a Todd – rock, ice or alpine. Todd and Winslow run a great outfit. Highly recommended!

Mary Powell

Willie was amazing
Very experienced. We always felt safe and learned a lot.

Willie tailored the day to our level. We had a awesome time. Can\’t recommend enough.

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 traveling 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!
What you get in this adventure package:
- - An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 4-8 hours of rock climbing each day (depending on your chosen itinerary)
  - All technical climbing gear
What’s not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - 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.
Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City 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 can be provided by your guiding service on a first come first serve basis. 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
  - Ropes
  - Rock shoes
  - Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
  - Here’s a list of the equipment you should 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 1–4 people with one guide, but you can also go with a larger group of up to 8 people with 2 guides.
  - Cost per person will 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.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Located southeast of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, the Wasatch Mountain Range is really easy to reach. Salt Lake City is home to the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are a quick 25 minutes away from the same airport (22 miles).

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet — 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!