Guided Alpine Climbing in the Wasatch Mountains

These adventures are challenging enough to intrigue anyone interested in exciting ridge scrambling with a touch of alpine climbing in the Wasatch, but not as committing as to exclude those who are new to the sport.

Our high mountain traverses are an excellent adventure option for those looking to push themselves physically and aerobically in an incredible and breathtaking high altitude setting. 

Upon booking we will send you an equipment list.

1-Day Traverse:

Wastach Mountain classic alpine routes including (but not limited to) the South Ridge of Superior, Devil's Castle, Pfeifferhorn, or an objective you've been researching. 

Price per Person:

2-DayTraverse (option):

The Grand Traverse: with overnight camping

This overnight trip is a traverse connecting the three massifs of Mt. Dromedary, Sunrise, and the Salt Lake Twin Peaks. Scrambling, summits, a knife edge ridge and a stunning night under the stars make up this fantastic package for a weekend away.

If you're interested in the 2 day option, contact us directly. 

Price for 2-Day Traverse:

Lodge-to-lodge hiking in the Wasatch Mountains offers a unique and thrilling adventure. You can explore some of the area's most stunning hikes while staying in comfortable lodges.

Overview:

Duration: 3-4 days

Route: Deer Valley to Snowbird or in the reverse

Accommodation: Lodges at Deer Valley, Solitude, Alta, and Snowbird

Itinerary

Starting Point: Bloods Lake trailhead

Destination: Solitude

Starting Point: Solitude

Destination: Alta

Starting Point: Solitude

Destination: Snowbird

Alpine Climbing Objectives: 

Experience the freedom of choice on this adventure, with hikes tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer shorter leisurely walks or more challenging treks to bag some peaks and cover more ground, you'll find something to suit you. 

Cost: 

Joseph Hobby is an IFMGA American Mountain Guide with numerous first ascents in Alaska. And he has more to explore! Do you want to join for some first ascent alpine climbing in The Alaska Range? Or climb some classic alpine routes in Alaska? From the Kichatna's to Ruth Gorge to Hayes Range, here are some of the options for climbing:

From April through May every year we offer guided alpine climbing in Alaska. It's not just Joseph guiding, but also IFMGA Guides Willie Benegas and Todd Passey. Climb with pioneering climbers with a history. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and drive to Talkeetna (or other designated area). Your guide will pick you up at the airport in a rental vehicle. If necessary, we could stop by either REI or AMH for last-minute gear purchases and supplies. Hotel in Talkeetna.

Day 2: Pack and fly into the Ruth Gorge (or other designated area) in the afternoon. You will check in with the NPS in the morning. We'll hope to fly into the range in the early afternoon, but weather or other factors can delay this part of the itinerary. Set up camp or stay in a hotel :)

Day 3: Gear preparation for our climb. We may choose to recon the route on this day if we have successfully flown in the day before by climbing the route first 3 – 4 pitches, then descending back to camp. Camp out.

Day 4: Climb designated route and return to camp.

Round trip route times can be anywhere from 13 – 22 hours. Camp out.

Day 5:  Weather day. Itinerary flexibility for inclement weather or other delays. If we have completed the route, we can fly out on this day or attempt another climb in the Ruth Gorge. Camp out or stay in a hotel.

Day 6: Weather day. Itinerary flexibility for inclement weather or other delays. We may fly out back to Talkeetna on this day. Camp out or stay in a hotel.

Day 7: Fly off the glacier and return to Anchorage for a midnight flight home.

Days 8-12: Some routes require more time. A detailed itinerary specific to your trip will be sent with booking. 

Logistics

Additional Cost: If you choose to climb other objectives, that will require a flight bump to locations such as Main Ruth Glacier. Extra charges will be added. 

Trip Includes

Trip Excludes

Dates

This trip is by private request, April through May of each year.

Gear Needed

Rock Climbing in the Southern Wasatch

The Provo area is home to incredible rock climbing in American Fork Canyon, Rock Canyon, Slate Canyon, and Provo Canyon. Plus other areas! Our guided climbs are ideal for families, church activities, club and school activities, plus more. We offer climbing from first time beginners to advanced climbers. Both single-pitch and multi-pitch climbs offered. You can learn to rock climb or sign up for a challenging multi-pitch route! 

We operate within the American Mountain Guides Association's scope of practice. This means that all our guides are properly certified and tested, and operate in terrain and with technical skills appropriately. We do not operate without proper permits and permissions. 

Trip Details:

For our half-day guided rock climbing (4 hours) in the in the Provo area, please contact us for a price quote. Click for climbing in the Salt Lake City area.

In our FULL-DAY outings, we have the time to hike to routes that grant us incredible solitude, and explore the longer routes on offer in the area. We are able to take the time to cover beginner to advanced topics such as the basics, or speed vs time-efficiency, belaying strategies, and descending longer routes. We create curriculum based on your experience and needs. 

Full-Day: 6-8 Hours

Our permit area is located in the UNITA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST. We are not permitted to guide in the Mount Timpanogos and Lone Peak Wilderness areas. All guiding on Mount Timpanogos is outside marked Wilderness.

Why is Climbing in Utah County so Great?

Overall, the combination of stunning scenery, diverse climbing opportunities, and a welcoming climbing community makes rock climbing in Utah County an outstanding experience for climbers of all levels.

In Ruth's Gorge, Alaska, The Ham and Eggs couloir, which splits the giant granite peak known as the Moose's Tooth, was first climbed by Jon Krakauer, Thomas Davies, and Nate Zinsser in July 1975. This ultra Alaskan classic Couloir (V, 5.9, AI4) offers moderate and fun climbing to the summit of one of the most sought-after peaks in the Alaska Range – The Moose's Tooth.  

It took over 20 years for the route to see another ascent. Now, largely due to access, it’s a highly sought after alpine classic! Eighteen pitches of snow, rock and ice covers 2800 feet of climbing, reaching the summit of the Moose's Tooth. A true Alaskan Alpine climbing experience and one of the best views of the range; Denali and Hunter Above, Huntington nearly straight across, and the Great Ruth Gorge below.

The trip begins in Anchorage, Alaska where we pack and check our gear for our transit to Talkeetna – a historic and funky townlet that comes alive with climbers and tourists every summer. From Talkeetna we fly via ski equipped airplanes on an awe inspiring flight into the Ruth Gorge.  Flying into the Ruth Gorge, snow, ice, and granite loom in every direction. We will land in what is known as the Root Canal, a bold landing pioneered by Paul Roderick in a majestic spot at the base of our climb.   Here, a short walk from our route, we will set our base camp and prepare for our climb. 

Climbing The Moose's Tooth via Ham and Eggs is just fantastic. Spectacularly this route climbs rock up to 5.8 and, short pitches of vertical alpine ice benched by 40-60 degree snow. The final ridge to the summit will keep your attention as the views expand.

The expected duration of this trip is seven days, Anchorage to Anchorage! Due to the technical nature of the route, the max ratio is 2:1 for climbers/guides. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and drive to Talkeetna. Your guide will pick you up at the airport in a rental vehicle. If necessary, we could stop by either REI or AMH for last-minute gear purchases and supplies. Hotel in Talkeetna.

Day 2: Pack and fly into the Ruth Gorge in the afternoon. You will check in with the NPS in the morning. We'll hope to fly into the range in the early afternoon, but weather or other factors can delay this part of the itinerary. Set up camp or stay in a hotel :)

Day 3: Gear preparation for our climb. We may choose to recon the route on this day if we have successfully flown in the day before by climbing the route first 3 – 4 pitches, then descending back to camp. Camp out.

Day 4: Climb Ham and Eggs and descend back to camp.

Round trip route times can be anywhere from 13 – 22 hours. Camp out.

Day 5:  Weather day. Itinerary flexibility for inclement weather or other delays. If we have completed the route, we can fly out on this day or attempt another climb in the Ruth Gorge. Camp out or stay in a hotel.

Day 6: Weather day. Itinerary flexibility for inclement weather or other delays. We may fly out back to Talkeetna on this day. Camp out or stay in a hotel.

Day 7: Fly off the glacier and return to Anchorage for a midnight flight home.

Logistics

Additional Cost: If you choose to climb other objectives after Ham & Eggs, that will require a flight bump to locations such as Main Ruth Glacier. Extra charges will be added. 

Trip Includes

Trip Excludes

Dates

This trip is by private request, April through May of each year.

Gear Needed

For those looking for a break from work, we offer half day climbing trips in Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon. HALF-DAY trips run for 4 hours with flexible meeting times throughout the day. Absolutely NO prior climbing experience is required.

For the more seasoned climber, rest assured that even in 4 hours, we can ensure that you get on the highest quality, full-value routes in the Wasatch Range. Some approaches can take as little as a minute. Climbing with a certified Mountain Guide guide who’s intimately familiar with the area really is a no brainer!

Trip Details:

In our FULL-DAY outings, we have the time to hike to routes that grant us incredible solitude, and explore the longer routes on offer in the area. We are able to take the time to cover intermediate to advanced topics such as speed vs time-efficiency, belaying strategies, and descending longer routes.

The Cottonwood Canyons have literally everything you can think of, and more! Slabs, cracks, steeps and overhangs, and our unique diversity of rock from granite, quartzite to limestone. Some walls in Little Cottonwood Canyon reach 1,100ft feet in height and offer up to 10 pitches! Grades vary from 5.4 to 5.11, and some of our favorites include:

… just to name a few. There are hundreds more to discover!

Half-Day: 4 Hours

Book a Guide to Explore the Secrets of the Wasatch Mountains

We are excited to launch this new adventure here in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah! This highly customizable adventure can be a half-day hike, full-day, overnight, or multi-day trip. All of our guides have spent at least 20 years in these mountains. Some of our guides were raised in these mountains! We can take you off the beaten path to see some of the Wasatch’s hidden gems. Join us to find astounding aspen forests, glistening mountain lakes, and panoramic views to take your breath away. 

These adventures are typically non-technical in nature. We might have some scrambling but nothing that would require a harness and ropes. We aim to take you on scenic and secluded hikes in classic and not-so-discovered zones. 

We can customize these trip for up to 12 people. Contact us today to get your customized hiking or trail running experience started! 

Variations of this adventure includes:

Trail Running:

Led by Erik Fullmer, a runner for 30+ years, we can take you on the classic alpine and trail runs in the Wasatch Mountains. From the Park City Ridgeline, to sections of the WURL, to unknown alpine trails in the Southern Wasatch. In addition to showing you the route and being available for first aid, we will be sure to pace you according to your fitness and goals. 

Whether it's for fun or for training, book a guided trail running trip with Wasatch Mountain Guides and get ready for a beautiful experience.  

Hiking Variations:

Hike Little Cottonwood Canyon to Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City with overnight in a lodge:

Unforgettable Guided Hiking, Trekking, and Camping in Utah's Wasatch Mountains

Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure with guided hiking, trekking, and camping in Utah's picturesque Wasatch Mountains. Nestled in breathtaking natural beauty, this unforgettable experience offers a perfect blend of exploration, serenity, and excitement for nature enthusiasts of all levels. Let's dive into the highlights of this incredible journey amidst the Wasatch wonderland.

Guided hiking in the Wasatch Mountains opens up a world of scenic trails and hidden gems, curated by knowledgeable experts who know the area inside out. Whether you're a novice hiker or an experienced trekker, the guides will tailor the adventure to match your preferences and fitness level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

The Wasatch Mountains boast an array of diverse trails, each showcasing unique landscapes, from lush alpine meadows to majestic peaks. Trekking along these well-maintained paths allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind.

Camping in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains is an experience like no other. With the guidance of experts, you'll discover the best camping spots, where you can relax by a crackling campfire under a star-studded sky. The tranquility of the wilderness combined with the camaraderie of fellow adventurers creates memories that last a lifetime.

The Wasatch Mountains offer year-round opportunities for guided hiking, trekking, and camping. Spring and summer unveil an explosion of colors with wildflowers in full bloom, while fall showcases a breathtaking tapestry of autumn foliage. Even winter provides a unique charm for those seeking snow-capped adventures and cozy nights in a winter wonderland.

Guided tours ensure not only a safe journey but also enriching insights into the region's ecology, geology, and wildlife. We'll keep our eyes open for native wildlife like deer, elk, moose, and various bird species in their natural habitats, all with the guidance of a knowledgeable expert.

Whether you're an individual looking for a soul-stirring solo adventure or a group of friends and family seeking unforgettable bonding experiences, guided hiking, trekking, and camping in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah promises an exceptional and rejuvenating escape into nature's embrace. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your camping gear, and embark on a journey that will leave you with cherished memories of the Wasatch wilderness.

Guided Rock Climbing in Southern Utah

Wasatch Mountain Guide’s two-day Moab Desert Towers program prepares and guides you to the summit of one of twenty different iconic world-famous sandstone formations. We propose tower ascents for one or two climbers on spires ranging in difficulty from 5.7 to 5.11. 

Moab Desert Towers requires climbing skills that are unique to the Colorado Plateau. If this is your first tower adventure, Todd or Willie are specialists at suggesting the best climb for you and showing you the necessary skills to reach the summit. Take your traditional climbing abilities to the next level. We are also open to customizing your adventure according to your goals and experience.

If you would would like book this trip outside of the scheduled dates (see calendar), then contact us directly to coordinate! 

Itinerary:

Max Client to Guide Ratio:

Guided Rock Climbing in Utah

Take a break and breath some fresh mountain air and book a professional rock climbing guide to climb some of Utah's classic crags. Absolutely NO prior climbing experience is required.

Trip Details:

For our half-day guided rock climbing in the Wasatch Mountains, visit this adventure. 

In our FULL-DAY guided rock climbing outings, we have the time to hike to routes that grant us incredible solitude, and explore the longer routes on offer in the area. We are able to take the time to cover intermediate to advanced topics such as speed vs time-efficiency, belaying strategies, and descending longer routes.

The Cottonwood Canyons have literally everything you can think of, and more! Slabs, cracks, steeps and overhangs, and our unique diversity of rock from granite, quartzite to limestone. Some walls in Little Cottonwood Canyon reach 1,100ft feet in height and offer up to 10 pitches! Grades vary from 5.4 to 5.11, and some of our favorites include:

… just to name a few. There are hundreds more to discover!

Full-Day: 6-8 Hours

Experience the Thrill of Rock Climbing in Utah with a Certified Guide

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Utah? Look no further than rock climbing with a certified guide! Utah's stunning natural rock formations and diverse climbing routes offer an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Let's delve into the excitement and safety of scaling the majestic cliffs with expert guidance.

Utah boasts an array of world-class climbing destinations, and partnering with a certified rock climbing guide is the key to unlocking these hidden gems. With their in-depth knowledge of the region, these experts will take you to the most exhilarating climbing spots, tailored to your skill level and preferences. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned climber, the guide will ensure a customized experience that matches your abilities and goals.

Safety is paramount in rock climbing, and a certified guide offers the peace of mind you need. They possess extensive training and expertise in risk management, emergency protocols, and first aid. You can focus on enjoying the climb while knowing you're in the hands of a professional who puts risk management first.

Rock climbing in Utah is a year-round activity, with each season offering a unique charm. Spring and fall provide the ideal weather for climbing, while summer mornings and evenings offer pleasant temperatures. Winter beckons adventurous climbers with the chance to experience the thrill of ice climbing on frozen waterfalls, or backcountry skiing.

Climbing with a certified guide also opens doors to learning new techniques and improving your climbing prowess. They offer expert tips on movement, balance, and problem-solving, empowering you to conquer more challenging routes over time. You'll leave Utah with newfound skills and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you forever.

For those seeking a holistic climbing experience, multi-day guided climbing trips are available, immersing you in the Utah wilderness. Camping under the stars after a day of climbing fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants, forging lasting memories and friendships.

Rock climbing with a certified guide in Utah is an unparalleled adventure that combines the thrill of scaling majestic cliffs with the tranquility of nature. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, the guidance of an expert ensures both safety and a tailored experience that matches your abilities. Utah's stunning landscapes and diverse climbing routes make it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. So, gear up, embrace the challenge, and let Utah's rocks become your playground on an unforgettable climbing journey.

Half-Day Rock Climbing Class for Kids

Our Kids Rock Climbing Camp in Little or Big Cottonwood Canyons, Utah will include teaching the students how to belay, climb, and rappel. All students will practice belaying, the proper communication, and checklists for climber and belayer safety. All students will have multiple opportunities to climb and rappel. The focus will remain on fun while we help the students learn basic climbing techniques.

Unleashing a kid on a climbing wall enables great physical rewards. The low-impact sport of climbing helps them strengthen their whole bodies—from their fingertips to their toes, including those ever-important core muscles. Moving from hold to hold also helps them build stamina, coordination, agility, flexibility, and balance. Plus, what parent doesn’t want to see their kid being active and having fun instead of staring at a screen?

Your children will be instructed by internationally certified IFMGA Mountain Guides. Not only are there physical rewards, but WMG will pass on discipline and focus that is essential to this skill and sport.

Student to Guide Ratio: Max 4:1

Guided Introduction to Outside Rock Climbing

Do you want to learn to rock climb outside but don’t know where to start? Start right here at WMG with our internationally certified and experienced IFMGA Mountain Guides! We’ll give you the clarity on all those doubts so that you can get 100% comfortable climbing outside.

You will learn the basics of equipment, outdoor ropework, anchors, and much more. WMG customizes all teaching to your personal goals. WMG is here to create you a personalized set of goals. Our learning experiences are highly customized to each and every individual, to fulfil your goals. Each course lasts 8 hours.

The curriculum covered in WMG’s Learn to Rock Climb courses are developed over time, according to individuals experience and goals.

Curriculum:

Course Dates:

Learn the essential skills to propel a new climbing hobby to the next level, with a certified guide managing risk.

Max client to guide ratio is 4:1.

Duration is approximately 8 hours. 

From Gym to Crag: Learn to Lead Climb and Manage Top Rope Sites

Transitioning from your local gym to outside rock climbing does require an adjustments to your technical and risk management skills. That's why our AMGA certified guides (Single Pitch Instructor at a minimum) offer a full day course to help you with your introduction to managing a crag including lead climbing, lead belay, setting up top rope anchors, cleaning anchors, and managing your risks. 

This course is for intermediate to advanced gym climbers, or those with intermediate experience climbing top rope outside. If you're new to climbing, consider our Learn to Rock Climb Course.

Curriculum:

Learn to:

Course Dates:

Futher Details: