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Writer's pictureEmily Hacken

Youth Adventures - Rock Climbing - Tank Canyon, American Fork Canyon 6/6/24

Perfect first rock climb for any youth of any age. You can set up two sport routes. Bring your hammocks! And there is a small cave nearby. About a 5-minute walk to the climb.




Sample Itinerary:

9-915 am - hike in

915-945 am - set up routes (lead climb)

945-12 pm - climbing


Directions:  Tank Canyon Parking Lot, American Fk Cyn


Cost: $6 day pass at the kiosk at the base of the canyon or free if you have a national parks pass


Activity: Rock Climbing Tank Canyon - Find the unmarked trailhead to the north west of the dirt parking lot. Take rocky dirt trail north east up past gully on your right. About 5 min up the trail follow the right path to the gully and follow it down and through the gully up to the other side. Hike west across a stream and then take an immediate right (usually under a shrub) and up to a path that will take you south to the climbing area. There is another access trail that goes straight up to the climb and is very steep with loose rock. Mt Project Trip Report


Climbs - We usually do the far 2 sport routes for youth. They are easy to lead and set up. Bolts and chains at the top for both. About 30 ft.


Tips:

  • Kids love to hang out in the hammocks while they wait or chill

  • There is a small alcove cave about 100 ft to the north of the climb that's fun to explore

  • WARNINGS - we tell our youth the safe zone at the beginning - south side watch the cliffs above the road stay north of the campfire ring, west - don't go into the stream or beyond, north - don't go past the cave.

  • We ALWAYS attach a rope or cordage to any youth who has never climbed before to assist them in letting go of the rock when they are done climbing

  • Have youth climb up about 5 feet then practice, letting go of the rock and holding onto the rope and lowering down - also practice sitting in harness and wide legs

  • Have youth climb up about 10 feet and do a practice fall. This will help increase confidence in the rope and belayer.


Bathrooms - no

Cell Reception - patchy

Dogs - yes


Gear: rope, harness (for youth 2-7 yrs will need a full body harness and there is nowhere to rent them currently), helmets (bike helmets can work), climbing shoes, 8-10 quick draws, anchor gear (quad anchors), belay device, 1 L water, snacks, closed toed shoes, shorts/T-shirt, long sleeve, rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, backpack, hammocks


Rentals:

Harnesses - BYU Outdoors Unlimited $5 (universal size - for moderate sized elementary youth and up)

Helmets - BYU Outdoors Unlimited $4 (universal size - for moderate sized elementary youth and up)





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