PRINT: Rock Climbing in Ambush Wall Lower, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Ambush Wall Lower

Utah > Wasatch Range > Central Wasatch > Big Cottonwood Canyon

Description

Afternoon shade. This area has a lot of trees. Shady and cool.

Getting There

Drive up the canyon 5.7 miles from the flashing sign. There is a pull out on the North Side of the road. There is an orange sign with "7.8" in black at the pull out. This sign is for "mile marker" 7.8 as it is only a little ways before mile marker 8. Walk down the road and find the mellow trail next to the road sign. Please avoid hiking straight up the steep and loose hill.

The easiest way is to navigate to Mineral Fork Trailhead on your phone/GPS. When your GPS says you're 500ft away, you'll spot the pull out on the left.

Routes from Left to Right

5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a 35 ● Drill, Baby, Drill Sport
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a 28 ● Yuengling Trad
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 9 ● Man Biter Trad
5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c 277 ● Bong A Long Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 218 ● House Party Sport
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 247 ● Chug A Jug Sport
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 93 ● Jinkies Sport

● Drill, Baby, Drill

5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport

● Yuengling

5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad

● Man Biter

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad

● Bong A Long

277

5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c Sport

● House Party

218

5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport

● Chug A Jug

247

5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport

● Jinkies

5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Sport

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Right to left: Red is Jinkies (5.7), yellow is Chug a Jug (5.8), blue is House Party (5.8), orange is Bong A Long (5.9-).

good times at the upper ambush wall!

You'll know you're at the ambush wall if you see this guy who was obviously ambushed by somethin?

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Steve Jay
salt lake city, UT

should we maybe split this to lower and upper ambush? Sep 14, 2007

Tosh Peters
Park City, UT

Fun wall. Well placed bolts. 30 second approach. Oct 25, 2007

Cody Campbell
draper

I would agree with an upper and lower designation. This wall is a lot of fun but still a little dirty. Some air cans would go a long way. I counted a total of 6 sport routes. 4 below, 2 above. Sep 6, 2008

Greg Gavin
SLC, UT

so far so good. the wall is cleaning up nicely, still holding a few loosey's but with a little care you won't be ripping off anything. if your a moderate sport climber this is your spot. Jul 19, 2009

Steve M Miller
Park City, Ut

be careful here there are some loose rocks... climbed this area monday 6-21-10 climbed the unknown 5.8 didn't think much of it but while I was about to lead bong a long a guy who also climbing there pulled a bowling ball sized rock off. there are also many pebbles and small rocks that get kicked off so be aware and WEAR A HELMET ! Jun 23, 2010

Jerome Sharpe
Wanship, UT

Folks, not counting the 5.11d that is rarely cimbed, there are only 5 routes here, and two of them share an anchor, so if there are more than 2 cars parked at the pullout, you may want to look elsewhere, or be prepared to wait your turn. Or you can do like some ass did yesterday--even though there were already three cars below, he pulled up leading a group of SIX, threw their packs and stuff right on top of ours, and proceeded to hop on one of the two 5.8's without asking even though there was already a climber on the route next to it that shares anchors. Large groups and impatient tools should look elsewhere. Jun 6, 2011

M L
Sonora, CA

Couple routes could use new chains esp the 5.9, if you're reading this swing by home Depot on your way there Jul 21, 2017

Exiled Michigander

If you miss the hordes of fellow climbers at the climbing gym when you climb outdoors, this is your crag. The wall can accommodate about two groups of 2-3 comfortably, but you'll probably find four groups of 5 when you get up there. Some great climbs, but don't go there if you prefer solitude. Sep 17, 2020

Ambrose Curtis
Lehi, UT

Thank you so much to whoever added steel lower-off carabiners to all the sport route chains! Aug 23, 2024