Mt Youth - Rock Climbing - Ledgemere, Big Cottonwood Cyn 7/6/26

Sample Itinerary:

9-1 pm - Instruction and climbing (Break up groups into 2 hr climbing sessions)

Directions:  Ledgemere Picnic Area Parking lot, Big Cottonwood Cyn (park on the north side of the road to avoid fees)

Activity:

Rock Climbing Ledgemere - We will be climbing on several beginner routes on the far west walls. Take a right over the bridge and follow the paved trail to the end.

• Age adaptations -

  • 2-3 yr olds - try just wearing the 5 point harness and swinging in it while you hold it

  • 4-5 yr olds - climb up a few feet and practice bouncing off the rock

  • 5yr + - climb up 10 ft then practice coming down - usually we use cordage or a rope to attach to the back of the harness to gently pull them off the rock if they have a hard time letting go of the rock to rappel down.

  • Optional - can have them climb up 10 ft and then practice a "fall" by yelling out fall! and feeling the belayer hold them (this can boost confidence in new climbers

  • Climb - let new climbers know not to touch anchors at top or climb above them.

• Safety Checks - review helmet, harness, belay device, and figure 8 knot safety and demonstrate how to perform safety check prior to climbing

• Review climbing commands -

  • On belay - climber asks belayer if they are ready

  • Belay on - belayer pulls up slack and reports they are ready to belay

  • Climbing - climber reports they are ready to climb

  • Climb on - belayer reports they are ready to belay for the climber

  • Got me - climber asks when they are done climbing

  • Got you - belayer pulls any slack and keeps climber tight on rope

  • Lower - climber lets go of rock and holds onto the rope, spreads out thier legs and sits in harness

  • Lowering - belayer slowly lowers climber

(these last 4 commands are VERY important for new climbers to feel secure when being lowered down)

Bathrooms - yes - porta potties at parking lot

Cell Phone Reception - yes

Dogs - no

Alternative play nearby -

• Ledgemere Cave - small tunnel/cave nearby to explore (about 50 ft with ankle deep water)

• River - when flow is very low

• Hammocks - always fun while waiting to climb

  
  

Gear: Harness (can rent), helmet (can rent), exercise clothing, hiking shoes, climbing shoes (can rent), 1-2 L water, daypack, 2-4 snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, first aid kit

Note - bike or ski helmets will also work if needed; climbing shoes are usually not needed for beginner climbers

Rentals: Harness ($5 BYU Outdoors Unlimited); Helmet ($4 BYU Outdoors Unlimited, $4 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center); Climbing Shoes ($6 BYU Outdoors Unlimited, $4 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)