The entire Rocky Mountain Range is riddled with climbing routes suitable for all abilities, but the mountains that surround Salt Lake provide the easiest access from a metropolitan center to world-class climbs. Each climb, with its individual history of ascents, represents an intricate piece in the Rockies' vertical puzzle, and a seed of adventure that can be germinated in anyone. Following are a few climbs, for beginners to more advanced climbers, all located just minutes from Salt Lake's city center.

Riptide and Iron Curtain Walls:With a location at the mouth of Parleys Canyon, these limestone and quartzite walls are easily accessed from most points in the city and because of their northerly aspect, stay relatively cool all summer long. Routes here vary from 5.8 to 5.11. Access the walls by taking 3300 South east to Wasatch Boulevard. Follow Wasatch Boulevard until it ends. Follow the trail to the walls.

Crescent Crack Buttress: Multiple routes up this easily accessed wall makes the Crescent Crack one of the most frequented climbs in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Routes here vary from 5.6 to 5.12. Park on the side of Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, about a quarter mile from the last stoplight at the mouth of the canyon. The left fork of a well-used trail on the side of the road leads to Crescent Crack Buttress (the right fork goes to Coffin Gully).

Resurrection Area: This popular, shady crag offers several routes and, located just 20 feet off the Big Cottonwood Canyon stream, is cool throughout the summer. This is a more advanced climbing area, with routes ranging from 5.9 to 5.13. To get there, cross the Big Cottonwood Canyon stream about four miles up the canyon to the wall. The approach from the west of Resurrection Area is private property and should be avoided.

For more information about climbing routes in the Wasatch Mountains, guides, and purchasing or renting climbing equipment, visit Rockreation Climbing Gym (2074 East 3900 South, 801-278-7473), Wasatch Touring (702 East 100 South, 801-359-9361), IME (3265 East 3300 South, 801-484-8073) or REI (3285 East 3300 South, 801-486-2100). Or purchase Wasatch Climbing by Bret and Stuart Ruckman.