LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah – A section of lower Little Cottonwood Canyon became the first American recreational climbing area to be included in the the National Register of Historical Places earlier this summer. On September 25, a formal recognition will take place in the area.
The Little Cottonwood Canyon Climbing Area is recognized for a period of significance between 1962-1974. While climbing, both technical and non-technical, does pre-date this period in Utah, this area is the first that was well documented. It begins with Alpenbock Climbing Club members Ted Wilson and Larry Love, who established the first recorded climbing route in the area. The history shows the rise of the Leave No Trace movement in climbing, and the passing of route and technical knowledge person to person, rather than through guidebooks or apps.
On Saturday, September 25, the formal recognition ceremony will take place between 5:30-6:30pm at the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance tent in the Little Cottonwood Canyon Park and Ride. Members of the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance, the State Historic Preservation Office, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, George Lowe, and Alpenbock Club Members will all be present.
A one-mile hike of the Alpenbock Loop Trail will take place following the formal recognition/announcement, with smashed PP&J’s wrapped in wax paper served to honor Alpenbock Club Member Ted Wilson.
“The National Register advocacy work celebrates the legacy of climbing in Little Cottonwood Canyon that lives on today. Recognizing the historical value of Little Cottonwood Canyon climbing and its surrounding landscape elevates the need to protect and preserve this special place in the hearts and minds of Utahns and the many people who visit our state.” – Salt Lake Climbers Alliance
