KCPW - The Mountain Life: The climbing history hidden in Little Cottonwood Canyon

On October 21, 2026, KCPW hosted SLCA Executive Director, Julia Geisler, to uncover the climbing history of Little Cottonwood Canyon, from pioneering Alpenbock club climbers to a trail that traces the legacy of the sport. This episode explores generations of climbing in the Wasatch. Julia talks about the 1.3-mile Alpenbock Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon, named for the Alpenbock Club, whose members pioneered many of the canyon’s classic routes. The trail is a part of the nation’s first recreational climbing area listed on the National Register of Historic Places and even connects to the site of a former poultry grit mill. She also previews Alpenbock, a new documentary about the climbing history of the Cottonwood Canyons, and its November 19 screening at Our Lady of the Snows.

The Mountain Life is a weekly, hour-long program that focuses on variety of topics from health and fitness, nutrition and parenting as well as lifestyle and education. Co-hosts Lynn Ware Peek and Mary Beth Maziarz hear from experts, authors, explorers and Wasatch Back locals who share ways to maximize your mountain life.

Click here to listen to the episode & learn more about The Mountain Life podcast with KCPW

Listen today to learn more about the Alpenbock film, Alpenbock Loop Historic Trail, and more about the work the SLCA does to advocate for climbing in the Wasatch and beyond!

You’ll also hear more about our upcoming events — November 5th Fall Friendraiser with SLCA & WBA, then November 19th Alpenbock film screening with ACE at Alta. Don’t miss out & find your way to give back and get involoved through these community events.