Route Type: Bouldering

Rock Type: Conglomerate

Conditions: Dense, tree-covered shade near a small stream.

When to go: Because it's near a stream, the right time to go will be determined by water level. In July the whole south side and part of the east side were available. During the spring run-off climbing may not be possible. After a dry summer more of the east and west sides should be climbable. During snow season the boulder is probably completely unclimbable due to it being hidden from most sunlight.

Getting to the Boulders

What I refer to as the "Red Bridge Boulders" are located in City Creek Canyon just beyond picnic area 5. Here's a detailed map showing how to get there from the downtown Salt Lake City area.

A few hundred meters after passing picnic area 5, you'll come to a small cleared area on the right with a rust colored bridge about 5 meters from the road. If you're looking at the bridge, then you'll see several boulders below and left, the largest of which has a tunnel bored through it by the small stream. This large boulder is probably the only one with problems that can be climbed without getting wet.

About the Boulder

The south side is approximately vertical. It has lots of crimps and jugs with a few finger pockets and pinches. With a good imagination you could probably find a dozen interesting problems in the v0-v4 range here.

The east side has an overhanging section with some slopers, crimps and underclings. Problems here could be much harder, especially for sit starts. There are probably problems to be climbed here in the v4-v8 range.

The north side will be the most interesting if the stream dries up. Late summer might work if you had a crash pad that you don't mind getting wet and muddy. This section has a cave and an arch carved out by the running water. There seem to be a few good east-west traverses through the arch and some fun roof climbing too.

Overall there are plenty of interesting short routes to be climbed. Don't hope for any highball climbing here though, as the boulder is only about three meters tall. Expect the routes to evolve over time as the conglomerate erodes. Also expect the possibility of holds becoming loose. Be cautious.

About the Problems

“Warm Up 1”   V0

Begin sitting holding two jugs. Use any starting feet.

Pull up, grabbing left onto a pinch and right onto a high crimp.

Finally reach to two more jugs and top out.

Warm Up 1

“Tree Hugger”   V2

Begin sitting holding a pinch and a small high jug. Use any starting feet.

Pull up to a pair of crimps.

Reach left to a high pocket.

Grab a high jug and top out.

Here's a video me sending Tree Hugger.

Tree Hugger