Utah Climbing Trips

If your vacation plans call for some Utah rock climbing, you will want to make sure that you bring along the appropriate gear. However, if you are in need of new gear for your Utah rock climbing trip, you will be pleased to discover that there a variety of excellent Utah climbing stores.

Located in Salt Lake City, International Mountain Equipment Inc. is one of the most well known Utah climbing stores. In fact, they have a reputation for carrying the best selection of rock climbing, ice climbing, expedition and backpacking equipment in the entire United States. If you are on a budget, International Equipment Inc. now has a consignment shop, so you can purchase used climbing gear at a relatively low price.

If your Utah rock climbing trip brings you to St. George, the Outdoor Outlet is another one of the popular Utah climbing stores. Their Utah rock climbing equipment includes:

• Rope
• Harnesses
• Shoes
• Hardware
• Accessories
• Cord/ Webbing
• Rock Gear Specials
• Canyoneering

Now that you know where to get the best Utah climbing gear, let’s talk about the best spots for a Utah rock climbing vacation.

Utah Rock Climbing at Capitol Reef National Park

The sandstone rock at Capitol Reef National Park varies in its density. Entrada is somewhat soft, but Wingate is harder. Because its natural fracturing has created a number of crack systems, the Wingate area is the most popular for climbing. However, climbing on any of the Native American rock art panels is prohibited.

Utah Climbing at Arches National Park

If you are looking for a place to earn your Utah climbing bragging rights, Arches national Park is the place to go. The soft sandstone is somewhat unsteady. However, this does not discourage the many thrill seekers who climb at the park each year. Because of its well defined crack system, the Owl Rock is a popular Utah climbing route at Arches National Park. Three Penguins, Three Gossips and Dark Angel are also popular routes. The following regulations must be observed:

1. Use of motorized drills is prohibited.
2. Climbing is prohibited on any arch identified on current USGS 7.5 minute topographical maps; on Balanced Rock year-round; on Bubo from January 1st to June 30th; on Industrial Disease on the Devil Dog Spire from January 1st to June 30th.
3. The use of chalk for climbing must be of a color which blends with the native rock.
4. Climbers are encouraged to employ clean-climbing ethics, leave dull-colored webbing when recovery is impossible, and access climbing routes via established trails, slickrock, or sandy washes.