Parley's Canyon is not as pleasant or extensive as Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon, but there is a bit of decent climbing if you don't mind the roar of the interstate.
Getting There
Parleys is the canyon that I-80 uses to reach Park City. Decent crags are widely scattered and use different approaches.
The eastern most bolted line, Astroprojection is an edging dream or nightmare depending on your ability. It starts a little slabby, but beyond that there is nothing easy about it. Getting to the overhang is thin and tough on the fingers. Popping the overhang is a decision making process. Do you utilize the right or left crack, layback or jam? Once the roof is cleared, the climbing gets harder (imagine that). Stay off that left arete (no rea...[more]
Parleys has a surprising number of good climbs in a small area. I prefered the Iron Curtain wall, with a variety of routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.11. You have your choice of 40-110 foot routes. Thin crimps and friction feet are the order of the day, although a few of the routes (Up in a Flash, Gotta be Tall, Out of Touch) are quasi jug-hauls. Generally speaking, the first bolts are pretty high, especially Up in a Flash. And some would consider the routes a bit run out, with big whippers possible.Almost all of the routes have spinner bolts. This may paint a bleak picture, particularly with canyon winds and traffic noise to add to the (lack of) ambience. But those who persevere will be rewarded with suprisingly good, high quality climbing. This crag is worth at least one solid, long day per season.
A number of these routes would be three stars if not for the location. The highway is annoying and the descent to the base is heinous. Other than that, the climbing is great.
I think this area is great when its not too crowded. People complain about the traffic and highway, but that makes it a great urban climbing scene. Its an area you can knock out a climb over lunch.
By Ryan Brough From: Arvada, Colorado Aug 26, 2006
I respectfully disagree with Mr. Pierce. Although many of the trails (chutes) leading to the base of the climbs are "heinous", there are alternatives. There is an easy trail that branches off of the service road after passing the shack that leads to the top of the Riptide Wall. Even easier, you can rappel from the anchors atop both Iron Curtain Wall and Riptide Wall!
WARNING -- Criminal Activity at the parking lot of this crag
I was parked in the parking lot of this crag on 9/23/07 (northern terminus of Wasatch Blvd.) when my car was broken into. The driver's side window was smashed, along with that of another car next to mine.
We encountered a shady-looking character at the top of the crag (Iron Curtain wall) with a hammer and chisel-like device. About 25-30 years old, male, short brown hair, 6 feet or so, claimed he lived in the area (walking distance). Be wary when parking here...
Parley's Canyon
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