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GPS: 41.19473, -111.87751
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Shared By: James Garrett on Jul 10, 2013 · Updates
Admins: Perin Blanchard, GRK, David Crane
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Description Suggest change

When the weather is hot and bothersome in the valley, this mountain provides great multi-pitch alpine rock climbing in a spectacular area with wonderful views. A little taste of Switzerland with the mountain dining, mountain goats, and lift shortened approach times to the multi-pitch climbs.

The rock is a high quality alpine quartzite. The looseness and choss so often mentioned in conjunction with Wasatch alpine routes in places like Alta's Devil's Castle does not really apply here. The summer access to rock climbing in Albion Basin is greatly enhanced by the road from the town of Alta, which usually opens by late June.

Here, Mt. Ogden is part of the Snowbasin Ski Area and weekend access is available between June through October via the Needles Gondola. You can even dine at the luxurious Needles Lodge atop the Gondola after you are done climbing or listen to live music with a BBQ at the base station every Sunday evening.

On Saturdays, the Gondola runs from 0900am to well after dark, so you can even consider a multi-activity day!

Getting There Suggest change

Follow directions to Snowbasin Ski Area located at 3925 Snow Basin Rd, Huntsville, UT 84317. From the south take I-15 North and merge right to continue on U.S. 89 N, follow signs for I-84 E/South Ogden, merge onto U.S. 89 N, merge onto I-84 E via the ramp to Morgan/Evanston and take exit 92 for UT-167 toward Mountain Green/Huntsville. Turn left onto UT-167 N/N 6300 W, Continue to follow UT-167, turn left onto UT-167 N/Trappers Loop Rd, Turn left onto UT-226 W/Snow Basin Rd.

Park and consider riding the Gondola. It will feel like approaching some of the long alpine rock climbs in Switzerland, making the approach a breeze. Approach time from the Needles Lodge/Gondola to the routes is between 5 (Needles) to 30 (Mt. Ogden) minutes. The formations are noted on every summer and winter trail map to the area, so it is easy to be oriented.

Remember you are climbing just under 10,000 feet, so beware of sudden afternoon thunderstorms and be prepared. A special treat is dining in the Needles Lodge at the gondola top station afterwards with great views. At this time, the Needles Gondola is only open on Saturday (9am - 4pm) and on Sunday (9am - 4pm) so get an early start if possible.

16 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Snowbasin

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c
 45
● Needles Nirvana
Trad, Alpine 5 pitches
Needles
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 8
● Silicone
Sport, Alpine
Middle Bowl Slab
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 65
● The Gray Slabs
Trad, Alpine 10 pitches
Mt Ogden
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Needles Nirvana Needles
 45
5.8- 5b 16 VI- 14 VS 4c Trad, Alpine 5 pitches
● Silicone Middle Bowl Slab
 8
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport, Alpine
● The Gray Slabs Mt Ogden
 65
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad, Alpine 10 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Snowbasin »

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Having fun on pitch 3 of Needles Nirvana
Having fun on pitch 3 of Needles Nirvana
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