Teen Rock Climbing Camp (Ages 13-17)
Our youth camps (Kids, Tween and Teen) are offered on the same weeks* and duration to make it easier on parents and guardians of children of multiple ages when it comes to transportation and drop-off/pick-up times. Each age group will have separate instructors who teach age and skill-appropriate curriculum, and often go to different locations. We may separate the participants within each age group according to ability and goals. Of course, there will also be plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun with friends of differing abilities.
*The Kids Camp (ages 6-8) only runs the second and third week of the four-week Youth Climbing Camp series.
Course Dates
- Jun 8-12, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
- Jun 22-26, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
- Jul 27-31, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
- Aug 3-7, 2026 (Monday-Friday)
What Our Guests and Students Say
The teen rock climbing camp, for young climbers 13 to 17 years old, will take participants to the next level in their climbing, belaying, rappelling and other rock abilities. Students will climb quartzite, granite and limestone to introduce them to a variety of rock types and cragging areas. Multipitch climbing may be included if students demonstrate interest and aptitude.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) will need to drop off and pick up kids at various pre-set trailhead locations in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons (e.g., the Gate Buttress Parking area or Storm Mountain Picnic area). Students old enough and licensed to drive themselves may do so. Meeting points will be set the evening before by the guide/instructor, based on current conditions and group goals, needs, etc.
Teen Rock Climbing Camp Objectives
- Tying knots and rope handling
- Belaying outdoors
- Correct use and recognition of handholds and footholds
- Placing and removing protection
- Building anchors
- Multi-pitch climbing
- Lowering
- Rappelling
- Having fun with other youth and making friends
Camp dates don’t fit your schedule?
Any of our pre-scheduled courses and camps can be run as custom outings. If you’re interested in a course but the dates don’t fit your schedule, please check out our private guiding options.
Course Prerequisites
- No climbing experience necessary.
Skill Level
- This is a camp for climbers of all levels.
This camp is taught in the field; expect to be doing ground work and climbing outdoors. You can plan on a 6-hour day from the time you meet your guide to the time you finish at the Park & Ride or return to the base of the trailhead. Bring your own snacks, lunch and water (1-2 liters).
Schedule
Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm
Location
These camps take place in Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Salt Lake City area (exact location varies). Typically, guests meet at the Park & Ride or a trailhead. We will send you all the information you need — including meet-up location, required equipment, your guide’s name and other important information — after you register for the course.
How To Register
- Register Online
- Call us at (801) 550-3986
- Email us at uma@utahmountainadventures.com
TEEN ROCK CLIMBING CAMP EQUIPMENT LIST
- Climbing pants or shorts
- Climbing shirt (collared T-shirt and/or hoody recommended)
- Houdini or other windshirt (optional)
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell jacket
- Light puffy overcoat or other insulation layer (depending on current weather)
- Sunglasses
- Belay glasses (optional)
- Sunscreen (we recommend putting it on in advance so hands are not greasy)
- 1-2 liters of water (water bag recommended for multi-pitch)
- Lunch and quick energy snacks
- Approach shoes (sandals not recommended)
- Rock climbing shoes
- Backpack (25-45 liters)
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay/rappel device (ATC Guide/Reverso) or assisted locking device (GRIGRI)
- Large pear-shaped locking carabiner
- Leather gloves for belay/rappel (and climbing on cold days)
- Chalk bag (optional)
- Cleaning tool for multi-pitch traditional climbing (optional)
Please see our Rock Climbing Gear List & Rentals page for information on the items UMA provides and local shops where you can rent or purchase gear.
Recommended Guidebooks
Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range by Stuart and Bret Ruckman
A Granite Guide: Ferguson to Lone Peak by Nikki Smith, Andrew Burr and Tyler Philips
Please see our main FAQ page for general questions or for anything not covered below.
How tight should rock shoes fit?
For learning and climbing moderate routes, get a half-size bigger shoe than the sales or rental clerk recommends. Toes do not need to be crushed inside the shoe. Nothing spoils the fun like foot pain! UMA has a limited selection of rock shoes to loan.
Should I wear pants or shorts?
Shorts are nicer for warm days, but long pants will protect their legs from abrasive rock. If shorts are preferred, they should be long enough to go under the leg loops of the harness.
Does the course include climbing equipment?
UMA provides helmets, harnesses, locking carabiners and belay devices to each participant if they don’t have their own. UMA has a limited selection of rock climbing shoes, but we recommend you rent shoes at a shop to ensure a proper fit. Please sign up for the items you need in your portal. The guides will bring participant equipment as well as all the group climbing gear.
Will I be able to lead?
Yes, if appropriate, but a backup top rope is always included for safety.
What happens on rainy days or during thunderstorms?
If a day is forecast for conditions deemed unclimbable by the guide service, the day may be cancelled. If the climbing day has started and retreat is necessary for safety (from thunderstorms or other), our guides will take the kids to a safe location near the base and work on skills until the 4 pm pick up time. Parents will be informed of any change of location.
Where do we meet our guide?
Before the start of the camp, the guide/instructor will confirm by email the meeting time and location. Most commonly, this location is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride lot.
