The Backstory

On June 25, 2021, the Utah Department of Transportation
(UDOT) released two transportation proposals to address winter traffic
congestion in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC).

One would construct the world’s longest gondola to carry riders to the top of the canyon and the other would widen the road by adding bus-only shoulder
lanes. The gondola and buses would service only ski resorts at the top
of the canyon and would not stop at climbing areas.

Little Cottonwood’s climbing dates as far back as 1961, when Ted Wilson and Bob Stout established the first documented route at The Gate Buttress. Both
of UDOT’s proposals threaten iconic roadside bouldering resources and
will impact the overall climbing experience in LCC – a canyon that has
and continues to forge the character of Salt Lake City’s climbing community.

Gnarly Nutrition’s “Home Crag,” filmed and edited by Headlamp Studios,
features rock climber and Olympic medalist Nathaniel Coleman, Salt Lake
Climber Alliance’s executive Director Julia Geisler and USA Climbing’s
CEO Marc Norman.

“Home Crag” illuminates the three unified perspectives on why the rock climbing in LCC deserves protection, and illustrates why the canyon is like none other.

Take action with the SLCA here.

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The climbing in Salt Lake City's Little Cottonwood Canyon is under threat.
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In Their Own Words

Gnarly athlete & Olympic medalist Nathaniel Coleman
"As the deadline for decision comes closer for Little Cottonwood, I hope this film can inspire the users and stewards of the canyon to stand up in a big way. The Wasatch Range offers so much inspiration to its patrons. Let’s show our appreciation and respect for it by protecting Little Cottonwood and the historic climbing it holds."
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USA Climbing CEO Marc Norman
"Our sport was built on the ideals and ethos of the outdoor environment. The best climbers in the world come to Salt Lake City for Little Cottonwood Canyon, specifically. I cannot image having our organization based anywhere where this resource isn’t accessible."
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Salt Lake Climber's Alliance Executive Director Julia Geisler
"Let’s preserve the incredible beauty of Little Cottonwood Canyon with less costly and lower impact transportation solutions, such as increased public transit without road widening, that serve all canyon users."
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Partners

USA Climbing

USA Climbing is the national governing body of the sport of competition climbing in the United States. As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we promote the disciplines of Bouldering, Lead and Speed climbing as well as the Collegiate and Paraclimbing series.

SLCA

The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supported by the climbing community, working closely with local and national governmental public land agencies, private landowners, as well as local and national climbing advocate organizations.

Access Fund

Access Fund is a certified land trust, advocates for climbers at the local and national levels. They also work at maintaining active Memorandums of Understanding with the National Park Service, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Headlamp Studio

Headlamp Studios is a full-service video production studio, specializing in commercial and documentary content for brands who want to build an intentional relationship with their audiences.