An Introductory Guide to Rock Climbing in Ogden

It’s no secret that Utah has almost everything you could want to do outdoors. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing- if you can think of it, you can probably find somewhere in the state to do it.

The Salt Lake area is also recognized as a hub for rock climbing as it offers a little bit of everything a climber could want. Although many climbers look to Salt Lake first, they’ll be sorely disappointed if they overlook the rock climbing in Ogden.

Ogden has a strong climbing community due to its easily accessible crags across the front range and through the canyon. Rock & Ice Magazine (now Climbing Magazine) acknowledged Ogden as the third-best climbing city in North America.

Are you looking for the best rock climbing spots in Ogden? Look no further - we have you covered. Whether you prefer carrying out some crash pads to bouldering spots or placing gear along classic trad routes, you can find it all right here.

Outdoor Climbing

You’ll find a little bit of everything when it comes to outdoor rock climbing in Ogden. Mountain Project lists 509 climbs spread across about a dozen major crags and a few smaller ones throughout the area. There is a pretty equal split between sport climbing, trad climbing, and bouldering across popular crags including 9th Street, the Schoolroom, Snowbasin, Ogden Boulder Field, and more.

Bouldering

As its name suggests, Ogden Boulder Field is the best place to go for those who love to carry crash pads to their climbing spots. You’ll find a large assortment of quartzite boulders scattered around the foothills at the end of 22nd Street. Route difficulties range from V2 to V13+ so there’s enough to keep you occupied for a few years (or decades!).

Sport

Sport climbers should look no further than the Schoolroom as one of their primary stops for rock climbing in Ogden. These tiered quartzite cliff bands are divided into two segments: the Northern Walls above 22nd Street and the Southern Walls above 27th Street. More than half of the routes in the Schoolroom are sport climbing routes ranging in difficulty from 5.6 to 5.13b.

Trad

The Mezzanines are some of the most iconic cliffs overlooking northern Ogden from the west side of Lewis Peak. These towering quartzite cliffs contain some of the best trad climbing in Ogden since they lack fixed anchors. However, those versed in trad climbing will be well-rewarded with a handful of adventurous lines.

Ice

Ice climbing isn’t for everyone, especially with its high barrier to entry and long list of necessary gear. However, you’ll find a top-notch ice climb, Malan’s Waterfall, up the popular Waterfall Canyon hiking trail. This 300-foot climb up the waterfall will add a few more gray hairs under your beanie.

Indoor

While outdoor climbing is the way to go during the months that weather permits, winter is a tough time to climb outdoors. Thankfully, Ogden is also home to The Front Climbing Club which makes rock climbing in Ogden accessible year-round. The Front offers top rope, sport climbing, and even some auto-belay routes for the days you want to get a few ticks in but can’t find a friend to go with you. They also have over 2,000 square feet dedicated to an awesome centerpiece boulder that receives new problems each week.Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking for the best rock climbing in the Salt Lake area, be sure to include Ogden in your stop. You’ll find plenty of climbs to keep you learning and improving and a few bucket-list climbs to cross off your list! While you’re here, be sure to check out some local events and other awesome things to do in Ogden.