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Powder Ridge Wall Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Powder Ridge Wall

L › R R › L A › Z

	3.2% S 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Bat Bastards T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
	Berry, Berry Steep S,TR 5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Blood and Chalk S,TR 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
	Deceived S,TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Defiance S 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
	Gad Chutes S 5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Geddy T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Lying Crack S,TR 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Rattled S,TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Whiskey Shot S 5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
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Elevation:	4,800 ft
GPS:	40.6152, -111.78 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	21,760 total · 105/month
Shared By:	Ryan Brough on Apr 13, 2007 · Updates
Admins:	Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

Here is a Big Cottonwood Canyon oddity. Instead of the traditional quartzite that the majority of the canyon is comprised of, the Powder Ridge Wall is a buttress of quartz monzonite (granite) that is similar in composition to that of Ferguson Canyon on the other side of the ridge. The buttress is north facing, and some spots see some sun in the afternoon. It can get pretty windy, and the brush doesn't provide much protection; however, the wind may provide the relief you needed from a hot sunset. The rock is not frequented often, and suffers from neglect. Loose, gritty rock is not all too uncommon here. There are quartz veins and varying sizes of quartz crystals in the rock which are very solid. So far, there are nine well bolted lines with good anchors for rappeling. You're not likely to get sandbagged here, as the ratings are pretty soft. It would be easy to walk to the top of the buttress from the east and top rope the climbs. If the crowds are getting you down, this offers a decent alternative.

Here are the routes listed from left to right:
Main Wall:

Upper Wall:

Getting There

See directions to Ferguson Canyon. Once past the water tank, follow the Ferguson Canyon trail down to where the stream is. There is a small stream crossing here and a trail hikes up the ridge. The trail winds through some brush, then over some quartzite boulders. Eventually, you reach a flat, sandy spot between the tops of the Guano and Heart walls. From here, find a faint, narrow animal trail that traverses across the grassy slope on the north facing side of the ridge. This trail leads through some more brush and leads to the center part of the buttress. Plan on a twenty minute approach. The ridge can be taxing, especially in the hot sun, so pack light. An alternate approach branches off the main trail as if heading to the Heart wall, and climbs the gully between the Guano and Heart walls to the flat, sandy spot mentioned above.

11 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Powder Ridge Wall

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 43 ● Lying Crack Sport, TR
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 48 ● Blood and Chalk Sport, TR
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 26 ● Gad Chutes Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 15 ● Whiskey Shot Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 16 ● Defiance Sport
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 32 ● Berry, Berry Steep Sport, TR