Rock climbing the S-Curves in Big Cottonwood Canyon

November 10, 9:55 AMSalt Lake City Outdoor Recreation ExaminerJared Hargrave

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A climber leads "Clean Underwear" (5.9) on the Upper S-Curves.
Photo by Jared Hargrave

The S-Curves in Big Cottonwood Canyon is among the more well known rock climbing areas along the Wasatch Front. Easy access from the road, a wide variety of  bolted routes, and clean lines on beautiful quartzite blocks make the S-Curves a fun place to spend a day. The fact that the S-Curves are on south-facing cliffs is another positive, as it's always in the sun, and rarely gets buried in much snow.

There is a buffet table of grades at the S-Curves, with something to challenge every climber, from newbies to grizzled experts. One can find easy 5.5 climbs such as “Little Feat” on the Upper S-Curves, to the seemingly impossible 5.13d classic “Dog Eat Dog,” a huge roof among the lower wall routes.

Other classic climbs at the S-Curves include “S-Curve Overhang” (5.11c), “Madison Avenue” (5.10d), “Black Monday” (5.11a), and “Megalopolis” (5.11a). These are all pretty difficult routes, but there are many moderate 5.8 and 5.9 climbs such as “Clean Underwear” (5.9), and “Geronimo” (5.8)

The S-Curves also includes a place known as The Pile, which has a few moderate sport climbs inside a beautiful, small canyon with a nice stream that flows below the routes. Climbing there is a good, shady option for hot days and includes fun routes like “Gomer Pile” (5.10a).

Where to go: Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City for 4.25 miles. Park at the parking lot right at the S-Curves in the road. From the lot, follow a set of wooden stairs to the road above the curves and cross here. Follow a trail directly into the canyon to find The Pile, or pick up a trail that goes to the right up the hillside which leads to the S-Curves. After a few switchbacks, continue straight toward the cliffs where the lower and upper wall routes are located.

For more information: Check out the Mountain Project website for beta on all the routes plus topo maps.

Lower S-Curves

Upper S-Curves

The Pile

Rock Climbs in the Wasatch: Read about more rock climbing areas here.