Volunteer Stewardship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints at the Gate Buttress

On Friday, October 9, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 23 employees from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints joined the SLCA for a morning of much‑needed trail stewardship in the Gate Buttress area.

SLCA maintains a long‑term recreational lease with the Church for the Gate Buttress property, which sits directly adjacent to U.S. Forest Service land. Though these areas are divided on paper, the landscape—and its climbing history—is shared. The climbing legacy stretches across both public and private lands, making stewardship here inseparable.

That lease represents more than a legal agreement. It reflects an ongoing relationship with partners who care deeply about Little Cottonwood Canyon. For nearly a decade, SLCA and the Church have worked side‑by‑side to keep access open, maintain trails, educate climbers, and ensure recreation stays within designated areas—balancing use with respect for private land.

During this visit, volunteers trimmed back overgrown vegetation, pulled weeds, and cleared the steps leading to East Gate Wall and Beckey’s Wall. After a summer of wind and heavy rainfall, this work helped prepare the area for fall and early‑winter climbers.

Bringing partners into the canyon is essential. Seeing the work firsthand—and witnessing how many people rely on this climbing area—strengthens understanding and shared stewardship. Throughout the morning, we crossed paths with more than ten climbing groups heading out for the day, a clear reminder of the Gate’s popularity and importance.

A huge thank‑you to all the volunteers who joined us on Friday. Your time and effort made a meaningful impact, and the Gate is in great shape heading into prime climbing conditions.

Donate to the SLCA to support more year around work at the Gate Buttress and other climbing areas across the Wasatch.