The million $ question

A letter to climbers in the Wasatch.

When can we all go climbing? That is the million-dollar question. 

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SLCA asked climbers to Show the Love and Empty the Crag in an effort to flatten the curve. We are so grateful for those of you who sacrificed some of your own fitness, burns on your project, and bluebird spring days on long trad routes in an effort to combat the spread of the virus. But now that the Stay-At-Home orders are beginning to loosen, we are faced with the next big question: What will climbing look like as the orders change, but while the virus still lives amongst us? 

Two things are certain. First, we all want to get back on the rock and into the gym. And second, no one knows all the answers. 

It’s on each of us to make responsible decisions, follow public health official guidelines and direction from governing bodies, and educate ourselves on the ever-changing travel ordinances that affect the areas we love to visit. We must then take that knowledge and apply it to our climbing decisions; carefully tailoring our actions as best as we can for the health of the community. 

Here are some considerations on going climbing in the near future from individuals serving on the SLCA board and committees. To note, none of us are epidemiologists; none feel it’s our place to dictate individual actions. As an organization, the SLCA encourages actions that promote health and well-being for all. 

  • Be kind.

  • Continue to work on climbing fitness at home until the curve has been flattened.

  • Don’t go to the crag if you’re having COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19.

  • We don't know if climbing surfaces hold the virus. 

  • You could be an asymptomatic carrier, so only climb with those in your household. 

  • Don’t add to the burden on our hospitals - select objectives that are well within your limit and climb cautiously.

  • Avoid busy climbing areas and crowded trailheads. If you encounter a busy trailhead or crag, go to a second option, and maybe even a third.

  • Don’t put the rope or gear in your mouth.

  • Stay six to ten feet away from those not in your household.

  • Don’t climb directly next to someone. Apply the six to ten foot social distance guideline to your route selection.

  • Use hand sanitizer before and after climbing a route and snacking.

  • Wear a mask in public settings.

  • Rural communities are still asking climbers not to travel to climb. Check out Climbing Area Status Closures from the Access Fund and county government web pages for updated info.

  • If traveling to climb, be self-sufficient with food and water and try to limit your use of public resources.

  • Consider how you make people feel when posting to social media and if your posts add to psychological health and well-being.

Until there is a vaccine, we have to figure out how we can modify our behavior to reduce the impact of this virus. Each week we are learning a lot more and things change frequently, so please stay in tune with what is happening and alter your actions accordingly. Visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/ frequently to guide your actions as well as check out Governor Herbert’s daily COVID-19 briefing online.

SLCA programs such as bolt replacement and trail work are still paused. Funding sources have been severely impacted by the pandemic. We continue to work diligently to protect access to Wasatch climbing and plan for future stewardship of the resource. Land managers have continually expressed their appreciation to the SLCA and the climbing community for doing our best to keep everyone healthy.

Kindest Regards,

Julia Geisler

Executive Director 

Salt Lake Climbers Alliance

& SLCA Board & Committee Members

Julia Geisler