This constitutes the greatest threat to climbing in the Wasatch region in decades.

Transportation infrastructure that physically and permanently alter the canyon should only be considered after less impactful options have been implemented and shown not to be effective.

Regional expanded electric bus and shuttle service coupled with tolling and other traffic mitigation strategies must be tried in earnest that include dispersed recreation transit needs before any permanent landscape changes are considered.

The gondola proposal…

  • Has unacceptable impacts on Little Cottonwood Canyon's iconic natural character and aesthetic 

  • Threatens the historic significance of the Lower LCC Climbing Area Historic District. This is a locally and nationally recognized site of early recreational climbing and bouldering that will be irreparably damaged. Decades of climbers have and continue to experience the solace, connectivity, and community of this historic district, which has been determined eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places by UDOT and is currently in the process of nomination.

  • Is designed to serve only ski resort users, ignoring dispersed use recreators and other year-round canyon users

  • Does not fix the traffic problem. The red snake will not disappear as single occupancy vehicles will still be allowed to drive to the resorts

  • Is fiscally irresponsible, and will cost over $1 billion

  • Is not an equitable solution and perpetuates environmental marginalization and injustice in the Wasatch Front

SLCA’ Comments to UDOT throughout the environmental impact statement process

PRESERVING UTAH’S CLIMBING LEGACY: LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON CLIMBING AREA RECEIVES HISTORICAL NOMINATION

We have worked this past year (FY22/FY23) to preserve Utah’s climbing legacy by nominating the Alpenbock Loop Climbing Area in lower Little Cottonwood Canyon for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This would be the first recreational climbing area to be listed in the nation! Once it's listed, it will also be posted in the National Register database and in the Library of Congress, both digitally available. 

Like you, we are disappointed with the inclusion of the gondola in UDOTs decision notice for the future of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Rest assured that the SLCA is here for the long haul and will continue to advocate for this irreplaceable and historic climbing resource.


We are hopeful that the phased approach will prove the gondola unnecessary. We align with the majority of community members that believe a gondola is not the right solution and will continue to be a stakeholder at the table to work with UDOT and the USFS on trailhead improvements, micro transit options for dispersed recreation, as well as continued access to our local crags.



Stay tuned for ways to engage with your elected representatives to share your passion for climbing in LCC. We appreciate your support as we continue to advocate and steward Wasatch climbing. September, 2023

As a result of public and agency input, UDOT has issued two Supplemental Information Reports (SIR) to evaluate applicability and potential impacts to Inventoried Roadless Areas and for additional air quality analysis. UDOT is accepting comments on the analysis contained in these reports, as comments received in this comment period that are unrelated to the supplemental information reports will not be addressed in the Record of Decision (ROD). On March 17th, 2023 the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) announced a new public comment period ending on April 18th regarding two new “Supplemental Information Reports” for the proposed gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC), along with other Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) alternatives. Submit your comments by clicking on the button above.

The SLCA maintains that there continues to be critical flaws to the FEIS in total; specifically, that the total scope of the project is too narrow and the purpose and need are not satisfied by the proposed solution. Furthermore, the proposed preferred gondola alternative cannot be exempt from the Roadless Rule.

The SLCA has and will continue to advocate for enhanced electric bus service, with no roadway widening or large-scale infrastructure, that runs year-round and stops at trailheads, thereby serving all user groups in Little Cottonwood Canyon and satisfying mobility demands. The enhanced electric bus system will not impact any IRAs within Little Cottonwood Canyon and would still provide traffic relief during the winter months and therefore should be reconsidered as the preferred alternative. Check out the full comments to UDOT at the link below.

Have you seen the billboard at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon yet? We can’t thank Black Diamond enough for purchasing this advertisement to help fight the gondola proposal for Little Cottonwood Canyon. Black Diamond is offering an exclusive discount at all Black Diamond retail stores for anyone who rides the bus into the canyon (a selfie or bus ticket is required!). Plus, carpoolers will get a chance to pick up swag at the Park N Rides throughout the season.

Photos by Jon Vickers