Big Cottonwood Canyon Climbing Guide

A curated route guide to Big Cottonwood Canyon.

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Big Cottonwood Canyon Climbing Guide

Big Cottonwood Canyon offers some of Utah's most accessible alpine-style climbing, with everything from mellow trad lines to burly boulder problems scattered throughout the drainage. The granite here is solid, the approaches are reasonable, and you'll find quality routes across all grades. Note that the canyon has seasonal closures for watershed protection, so check current access before heading up.

Classic Routes (5.3–5.9)

The must-do lines that define Big Cottonwood's character. These routes have earned their stripes through decades of traffic, offering everything from mellow multi-pitch adventures to technical single-pitch gems that showcase the canyon's best rock.

Routes

Beginner Routes (5.6–5.8+)

Perfect for building your outdoor skills or getting back into the swing of things after a gym hiatus. These routes offer solid rock and manageable grades across multiple crags, with a good mix of sport and trad options to round out your experience.

Routes

Intermediate Routes (5.10a–5.10c)

Step up your game with these solid 5.10 offerings. The canyon's intermediate routes demand better technique and stronger fingers, with quality trad and sport options that'll push your limits without destroying your confidence.

Routes

Epic Routes

When you're ready to commit to something bigger and more adventurous. These routes demand solid skills, good judgment, and a willingness to embrace the full mountain experience that Big Cottonwood has to offer.

Routes

Boulder Problems (V4–V10)

Big Cottonwood's bouldering scene is scattered but quality, with problems ranging from moderate power endurance to full-on proj material. The rock is typically excellent, and the settings are alpine enough to make every session feel like an adventure.

Routes