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SALT LAKE CITY — Snow-packed mountains and subzero temperatures force many rock climbers into the gym for the winter. However, outdoor enthusiasts don’t need to travel far to find beautiful, and more importantly, warm climbing destinations during the winter months. Here are four locations within a one-day drive where rock climbers can escape the cold to climb in the outdoors:
*Note for inexperienced climbers: “Sport climbs” consist of bolted routes with chains at the top. “Traditional climbs” (referred to as Trad) are not bolted and require you to place your own gear. These climbs are rated using the Yosemite Decimal System. The YDS rates the difficulty of each climb by assigning the route a number ranging from 5.0 (easiest) to 5.14 (most difficult.)
St. George
From Salt Lake City, a four-hour drive south on I-15 will take you directly to St. George—a warm destination offering hundreds of climbs for all different levels. A few favorites include:
- Black Rocks: Made of basalt, these black-colored walls offer 57 routes ranging from 5.7 to 5.12 in difficulty. The majority of the climbs are Sport, however there are some Trad as well. If it’s been raining, Black Rocks is a great place to escape wet sandstone. *note: Black Rocks is closed March 15 to June 30. - Chuckawalla Wall: This sunny crag offers 29 routes ranging from 5.9 to 5.13 in difficulty. This south-facing wall provides warm and sunny climbs for the majority of the day during winter. All of the routes are one-pitch Sport climbs. The wall is located right off of Bluff Street within a two-minute walk from the parking lot.
- Prophecy Wall: The majority of the climbs that make up Prophecy Wall are rated 5.10. This wall offers many multi-pitch climbs, most of which are Sport. This is a good afternoon destination in the winter because the area is shady in the mornings. Red-Rock Canyon in Las Vegas
Red-Rock Canyon is located near Las Vegas and offers beautiful views and sandstone cliffs. Hundreds of climbs are scattered among the cliffs, ranging from 5.0 to 5.14, both Sport and Trad.
Many of the areas require short hiking and rock scrambling to access the climbs. Be prepared for a long drive out of the park. The 13-mile “scenic loop” is a one-way road and can get congested at the end of the day as hikers and climbers make their way out of the park.
Moab
- Indian Creek: A crack-climbers heaven. Located south of Moab in the Canyonlands area, the creek offers Trad climbs ranging from 5.10 to 5.13 in difficulty. This area is for more advanced climbers who are skilled and equipped for Trad climbing.
- Potash Road: A five-minute drive north of Moab will take you to Potash Road. Along this road, there are more than 190 routes, both Sport and Trad. The level of difficulty ranges from 5.6 to 5.13, making this a great place for both beginner and advanced climbers.
The Hellgate Cliffs are located across from Alta Ski Resort’s lower entrance up Little Cottonwood Canyon. The south-facing cliffs provide a sunny and dry climbing wall in the winter. Most of the climbs are Sport, though there are some Trad as well. The climbs range from 5.7 to 5.12, though the majority are rated 5.10. Make sure to go on a sunny day so it will be warm and dry. If there is any run-off, ice or snow on the cliffs, do not climb.
For more information about these destinations, including detailed directions to find the climbing routes, visit http://www.mountainproject.com
Sarah Romero is a journalism and photography student at Utah State University. Contact her at sarahromero524@gmail.com.
