American Fork

American Fork View Frosty the Brolleyman Up High on a 10c

For our last day of climbing, we ventured to American Fork. It was much much closer than Maple, and we were hoping it would be warmer. On the drive down I saw a bank sign that advertised temperature at 38 deg F. So much for warmth.

Behold: An American Fork Vista Brewed at 32 degrees for freshness

Driving up to the climbing area was beautiful. The American Fork river was winding through the canyon, and some of the trees were still showing colors. There is a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees in the canyon, and the colors dotted throughout are really gorgeous.

From the handmade map I had drawn, Barry and I headed up to the crag. We found the pullout no problem thanks to the clue, “Pullout has room for 7 vehicles”.

When we got to the base of the cliff, we ran into a very soft spoken guy named Ken. He’d been climbing there for 6 years so he showed us to the wall I had picked out. We didn’t know which routes were which (since I hadn’t written that down), so Ken made some recommendations at the Escape Wall.

At that time in the morning (around 9am), there was frost around the leaves, and the mud was frozen up in little crystalline structures. We could see our breath, and the sun was demurely hidden behind the other side of the canyon.

Ken re-affirmed our situation saying, “You’ll not see sun, as it’s supposed to be cloudy today and this wall doesn’t get much sun”. Great to hear the truth, even when a lie would make ya feel better!

He's Fire on Ice

So, Barry ropes up and summits a very steep and juggy 5.9+. It was a quick send, so I knew it would be fun. I put my gloves on and set about climbing. I made it about halfway up before my fingers were numb (even with my gloves on!). So, I ditched the gloves and just muscled my way through the last of the ape-like moves. Stellar climb.

Next, Barry put up a 10- with a very tricky bottom crux, and runout crumbly finish. We both agreed that this was probably the worst climb at the wall as the quality of the rock up top was questionable. Around the time when Barry was finishing this climb, the sun came out! Alas, Ken’s premonition was wrong! But to our great benefit.

We thought some about going back to the Hard Rock wall where Ken said he’d be, but we couldn’t leave without jumping on this 5.10c route. From the ground it looked like fun, but it was so much more than we ever thought it would be. A perfect way to end the trip!

Barry at American Fork Fun Climb at Escape Wall

Barry pulled off his polypro, donning a tee-shirt as blasting heat from the sun brought the temps up to a balmy 48 degrees. Barry’s an animal. He monkeyed his way up to the anchors and quickly proclaimed it as the best route of the trip. I HEARTILLY AGREE. It was so much fun. Just like the 9 earlier, but steeper, bigger moves, and a thought provoking crux.

After this climb, Barry did one more-a 5.11a. Fun, but not as much as the 10c (he said). I declined a TR since my left elbow was sore and I was generally worn out. When Barry finished with the 5.11a, some local dudes walked up and we got the time from them.

About 10:45. Perfect timing. We had to leave to go back to SLC to do a short hike with Frances and then to catch our plane. So, the rest of this is about our hike partway up Mt. Olympus.

The Happy Couple Patty Cake on Mt. Olympus Goddess Sighting on Mt. Olympus

We decided to hike up the Mt. Olympus trail to get a view of SLC. It was nice to finally be warm-up there the sun was shining and I even had to take off my long sleeves!!! It was the warmest I had been all weekend, and it felt perfect. I was so happy to be hiking with Frances-and spending a little time catching up with her. Barry took some pictures of us along the way, and we had a pleasant afternoon.

Clare's the Thinker Chilvalry is Alive & Kickin Fabulous Frances

Heading to the airport, I was suddenly sad that the adventure was over. Three distinct climbing destinations (SLC Sampler!), and three very chilly days on the rock. I had a superb climbing trip with Barry and I’m stoked on the Utah climbing scene. LCC is great fun for a trad day. American Fork was fun and pumpy. And, Maple was a little beyond my comfort zone-but amazing geologically.

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