Riptide Wall is another cliff with a quick approach right off Wasatch Blvd. It has both sport and trad routes, so make sure to bring some gear. Some bolted routes also require a few gear placements. There are at least 8 routes, ranging from 5.9 to 5.11+.
Getting There
Take the 3300 South Exit from I-215, and turn east. Continue through the light at Wasatch Blvd, and then bear left at the first intersection. There is a parking area at the end of the road. From here, walk steeply uphill on a dirt road. Turn left onto a trail towards a distinctive boulder just before a building and cell tower. Head east on a path just before the boulder, and hike down the steep trail to the base of the wall. Riptide Wall is on the right, and the approach takes about 5-10 minutes from the trailhead. It is just a short distance east of the Iron Curtain Wall.
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]
Thanks to whomever was kind enough to drop a rope down an otherwise hairball descent to the crag. It reduces the idea that you might otherwise tumble into the I-80 eastbound on ramp.
By Nathan Fisher Administrator Jul 10, 2004 Gear Alert
Riptide wall is worse than Iron Curtain with regards to bad bolts. They all have excessive amounts of rust, most are spinners, and some have decided to protude 1/2 inch to an inch out of their holes. Feeding Frenzy's bolt #2 seemed to be the worst. As is always the case, be aware of the condition of all fixed pieces that you use, but especially here on Riptide Wall.
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