Rock climbing Wrangler Girls at Sport Utility Wall

June 20, 7:13 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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Adam Symonds makes a move on Wrangler Girls

The Sport Utility Wall is a large crag just north of Pete's Rock in the Mount Olympus area. There are a couple of moderate sport climbs here, including Wrangler Girls. Rated at 5.9, this route is a straightforward face climb on classic Wasatch quartzite. Like all climbs at Sport Utility Wall, it is a short route that requires 5 quick draws plus 2 for the chains at the top. The initial moves feel more like a 5.8 climb with good holds, but the roof near the top is the crux that has an awkward 5.9 move.

Wrangler Girls is a good lead for climbers breaking into the 5.9 range, but it can also be set up as a top rope after a quick scramble around the crag to the top of the chain anchors. The climb is located on the west face and begins just to the right of the shallow cave at the bottom of the crag.

Lots of sloping holds provide stable hands and feet, but the difficulty lies in the fact the the climb is slightly overhanging. Although the roof at the top is small, there is a big move on a poor handhold that spices up the route. Luckily there is another “thank God” hold once the big move is made. Once past the crux, easy moves finish the climb to the chains.