SALT LAKE CITY — Though there are endless places around southern Utah to go Canyoneering, many people fail to consider the plethora of canyoneering locations at home in the Wasatch Mountains.

If you’re looking for opportunities to rappel close to the city, you don’t have to look far. Sure, the real canyoneering experiences are best had in the slot canyons of southern Utah, but here are my top five areas locally to practice rappelling and get on some rope.

1. Pete’s Rock, Mount Olympus Trailhead, Holladay. (Quick)

This location is popular in Salt Lake Valley due to it’s close proximity to the city and short 5-minute approach. It gained the name “Pete’s Rock” after O’Dell Peterson, a local cobbler and pioneer climbing.

It was a popular rock climbing training area that even has old numbers painted for the route desingations. Climbers still frequent this area regularly, so be sure that you do not interfere or impede with their activities (or knock rocks loose). Smart practice is to be familiar with anchor building and choose a less visited side of Pete’s Rock.

2. Ogden 9th Street Crag, Ogden. (Quick)

Follow Harrison Blvd to the southeastern-most corner of Ben Lomond High School and then drive east. From the parking lot, hike 500 feet to top of the rock face (crag). Rappel length is roughly 50’. This spot gets really busy in the summer.

3. Battle Creek Falls, Pleasant Grove. (1-2 hours)

Off of State Street (near the rodeo grounds), take 200 South east until you hit Kiwanis Park. The hike up to Battle Creek Falls is roughly 1.2 miles out and back. At the top of the falls, you will find two sets of bolts where you can rig for your rappel.

I advise equalizing some tubular webbing between 2 adjacent anchors, with a single quick link to rappel from (so it’s backed up). Be mindful of hikers passing by and be courteous to others. It's an easy place to rappel (80 feet) and hike back up for repeats. Be mindful of people down below and of dislodging rocks.

4. Red Ledges Picnic Area, Diamond Fork Canyon. (1-2 hours)

Take the U.S. Highway 6 towards Price (Spanish Fork Canyon) and continue up Diamond Fork Road (for 7 miles) just prior to reaching the parking for the hot springs. Once you get to the parking lot, hike straight up the draw and gain access to the top.

Loop back around to the east and find your anchors. There are many to choose from, so play around a bit and explore. Most rappels are less than 100 feet, so plan accordingly. This is a great place for people to rappel and hike back up for more practice.

5. Rocky Mouth Falls, Sandy. (2-3 hours)

Rocky Mouth Falls is located just off Wasatch Blvd and 11300 South, just south of Little Cottonwood Canyon. After the short 20-minute hike to the waterfall, start climbing the steep dirt trail on the waterfalls left. As the trail starts to disappear, traverse around the rock to the east (class 4 climbing) and climb back down to the top of the waterfall.

This is a two-stage rappel, with rappel one being 33 feet off a tree and down past a large boulder. Rappel two is 83 feet and finishes at the base of a large boulder. You will get wet here. Usually, a waterproof jacket is sufficient. Rocky Mouth Falls is more of a route-finding adventure.

The above list is not comprehensive, and it merely provides some introductory locations to where you can build your knowledge, experience, and comfort with rappelling. Rocky Mouth Falls would be the closest taste of “canyoneering,” including some route finding and webbing anchors built around natural surfaces (boulders/trees) versus the bolt anchors you’ll experience in numbers one through four.

I strongly advise familiarizing yourself with the “Beginners Guide to Canyoneering,” as well as learning from someone who is experienced to help oversee and teach the correct method. An experienced professional should lead your first several experiences canyoneering.

There are endless opportunities to explore throughout the Wasatch. It’s not uncommon to find bolts/anchors throughout your summer hikes and trail runs, as long as you know what to look for. See a high point of rock that has a big face and is relatively easy to get to, and chances are you will find more anchors up above.

Always be sure to inspect anchors/gear and know what you’re doing before you lead your own group and teach other people. Other great places to begin your exploration would be up Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon (SLC) and Rock Canyon (Provo). Happy Trails!

Editor's note: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. The owner and operator of this site do not recommend or endorse any specific products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the article. Reliance on any information provided by the site owner and operator, is solely at your own risk. Always make sure you have the proper equipment, physical condition and experience level before trying any outdoor activity. And be sure to always check the weather conditions before traveling into any canyon.

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