2nd Annual Utah New Router Symposium

SLCA 2025 New Router Symposium Recap

On March 22, 2025, we held the second annual Utah New Router Symposium at Petzl NA. This event brought our community together to explore topics such as new routing, retro-bolting, and cultural site preservation. It also provided opportunities to expand skills through various clinics hosted by the SLCA Anchor Maintenance staff. We had a great turnout from the local climbing and youth community, as well as representatives from different climbing organizations in Idaho and California!

Below is a recap of the event. If you missed 2025, keep an eye out for round three in 2026!

Inside the Thinking of the SLCA Anchor Maintenance Program

Speaker: Andrew Brodhead, SLCA Anchor Maintenance Coordinator

This session provided an inside look into the Anchor Maintenance Program—how data is collected, how decisions are made, and how the program operates within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Manti-La Sal National Forests. Andrew also discussed the challenges they face, including working with land managers, navigating land designations and permit structures, and dealing with insurance requirements for a professional crew.

Retro-bolting in the Wasatch

Moderated by: Jimmy Keithley

This was a group discussion about retro-bolting in the Wasatch. The conversation explored what retro-bolting is, why it happens, and the nuances involved. This healthy discussion helped provide insight for the anchor crew on how to make real-time decisions while out in the field. Though there will never be concrete answers for this controversial topic, the discussion helped clarify some of the complexities and how we can move forward as a community.

Pitons and Pictographs: A Discussion About Cultural Resources and Climbing

Presented by: Utah State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

This presentation highlighted Utah’s rich cultural history and the ways climbers interact with cultural sites. It featured site-specific examples where climbing has significantly impacted historical remnants and how this history is at risk of being lost. SHPO discussed how climbers can take action to help minimize their impact on these sensitive sites.

For more information, please visit: https://ushpo.utah.gov/

Clinics: Glue-ins, Bolt Removal, Rope Skills

In the afternoon, the SLCA Anchor Maintenance Crew hosted three clinics aimed at building skills and knowledge for the route development community. The SLCA is committed to fostering sustainable route development both inside and outside the Wasatch, and providing education and hands-on training is a key part of that mission.

Thank you to out sponsors for this event. Without you, we could not make this happen!

  • Petzl NA

  • SportBolting

  • FIXE Hardware

  • Alpha Coffee

  • Caputos

  • Moab Brewery

  • Athletic Brewing


Julia Geisler