American Fork - Hard Rock Trail Project

The Project

The greater Hard Rock area is a popular climbing destination in American Fork Canyon, drawing climbers of all abilities throughout the year. To improve access and protect the surrounding landscape, the SLCA is working to create more sustainable climbing access trails and staging areas.

The project began in 2024, when the SLCA approached the Pleasant Grove Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. With the Lone Peak Wilderness boundary crossing Hard Rock’s west face, portions of the proposed work required additional environmental review and careful planning. That review was completed in 2026, and trail work began the same year. Planned in three phases, the project extends from the Hard Rock approach through White Wave Wall to Escape Buttress at the eastern end of the cliff band.

Phase I: Hard Rock Approach

From August 20 to September 20, 2026, the SLCA hired the Access Fund Conservation Team to improve the Hard Rock approach. The work rerouted the steep, loose trail onto a more sustainable grade, closed the old approach to allow the hillside to recover, and stabilized the trail connecting Hard Rock’s west and south faces. This phase was completed September 20, 2026. READ PROJECT RECAP HERE

With support from the State Trail Crew and local volunteers, Phase One accomplished:

Nearly 1,200 feet of trail improved
One stone staircase built with 34 steps
Four retaining walls constructed
Approximately 43 tons of stone moved
22 volunteers contributing approximately 242 hours

Phase II: Hard Rock to White Wave - fall of 2027

Phase Two will continue improvements along Hard Rock’s south face, upgrading the trail and staging area at Six to Eleven and Platinum Blonde, widening the trail to Winds of Fire, and improving the approach to White Wave Wall. Plans also include closing the original trail that wraps around Winds of Fire, which crosses loose gravel and dirt, to direct climbers onto the improved trail and allow the old path to recover.

Phase III: White Wave to Escape Buttress - 2028

Phase Three will extend trail improvements to Escape Buttress. Plans include widening the trail and cutting steps into exposed rock to improve footing. Additional stairs and retaining structures may be built to stabilize the trail, reduce erosion, and support long-term sustainability.