USA Adventures USA

Wasatch Alpine Climbing

1-2 days Group: 1-2 people From $313 per Person

Note: Benegas Brothers Expeditions strives to provide the highest quality logistics, giving you the best climbing experience possible. For this expedition, we are working through our partner, Wasatch Mountain Guides.

The Wasatch Range contains some of the most accessible and rewarding alpine terrain in the American West. Its major canyons and micro-zones offer outstanding rock, mixed, and snow routes that translate directly to skills needed on the world’s highest peaks. For anyone building toward Aconcagua, Denali, Kilimanjaro, or a Himalayan objective — the Wasatch is the finest high-alpine training ground within reach of a major city anywhere in the US.

Our alpine programs are guided by Wasatch Mountain Guides, co-owned by Willie Benegas, who has personally climbed with clients on routes like the South Ridge of Mount Superior and the the West Slabs or countless other alpine classics on Mount Olympus. Depending on the time of year and conditions, Superior can be a full day of relatively easy alpine rock climbing in a stunning environment, or a tougher, snowier day filled with a range of challenges that require real desire to succeed. Either version is worth it.

“Willie proposed the right climb and competently guided us with a high level of empathy and diligence. Thanks again for a great day out on the mountain.” — Martin D.

“My husband and I had an incredible day with Willie climbing the South Ridge of Mt. Superior. Willie’s experience, knowledge, and ability to assess our comfort and abilities were fantastic. Never did we feel unsafe or worried — we both just kept thinking how much fun we were having.” — Katie D.

Routes

Routes include the South Ridge of Mount Superior, Toledo Ridge, Pfeifferhorn, plus more depending on your experience and goal. Contact us to begin planning!

Pfeifferhorn

The North Ridge of the Pfeifferhorn is considered one of the best mountaineering routes in Utah and can be ascended any time of year, but many prefer to treat it as a stout winter mountaineering challenge. This mixed granite and snow ridge rises directly to the striking 11,326 feet / 3452 meters symmetrical summit in the heart of the rugged Lone Peak Wilderness. In the winter, the approach is on skis or snowshoes, and we usually do the trip in two days.

Day 1 begins at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon with a gear and weather check and discussion about the adventure to come. We then drive up to Little Pine Parking Lot and start hiking up to Maybird Gulch on skis, split-board or snowshoes. Our approach takes 3-6 hours. Setting up camp for the night at 10,000 feet under the North Ridge, we have dinner and prepare for the the next day.

Our  base camp is typically just  under the North Ridge.The impressive North Ridge has some moderate technical rock climbing, but most likely the ascent will be done on crampons, because we will probably find ice and plenty of snow on the route.

The next day we have breakfast before sunrise and start hiking up the the ridge (skis, snowshoes or crampons depending on conditions), where we cache our skis or snowshoes to begin our alpine route. Once on the ridge, we set up anchors and your guide will lead the climbing, protecting the route. After enjoying spectacular views from the summit, we descend back to camp via the head wall, pack the tents and hike or ski back to the car.

We generally return to Salt Lake City at the end of Day 2.

Location

Wasatch Range, Utah, USA

Length

1-2 Days

Prerequisites

Excellent physical condition, a knowledge of mountaineering techniques and previous alpine and rock climbing experience ideal. Climbers should be comfortable on 45 degree snow and ice slopes and climbing on exposed ridges.

Cost/Pricing

Guide Ratio: 1:1, 1:2

Max: 2 climbers

Two days: $1000 for one person, $500 for an additional person

One day speed: $525 per person, $100 extra for additional climber

Includes:

  • Certified Mountain Guide(s)
  • All meals while in the mountains
  • Camping and cooking gear for the group
  • Technical gear for the group (ropes, hardware, harnesses)
  • Some climbing gear for each member (snowshoes, ski poles, ice axes, helmets, beacons)
  • Private ground transportation throughout the trip from Salt Lake City Hotel or Airport
  • Communication equipment

Does not include:

  • Any hotel accommodations e.g. in Salt Lake City
  • Climbing/trip insurance and rescue expenses as needed. Any cost if a climber abandons the trip.
  • Customary guide gratuities
  • Personal meals out of the mountains e.g. any meals in towns / restaurants
  • Any other expenses occur beyond BBE control due to changes in the itinerary or clients needs
  • Personal gear for each member (boots (rentals available), crampons (rentals available), gloves, backpack, layered clothing)
  • Plane tickets
  • Park fees

Skills Practiced:

  • The selection and use of personal equipment, ropes, knots and harnesses
  • Crampon use and snow climbing techniques, ice axe positioning, and self arrest techniques
  • Route finding and hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
  • Proper clothing and climbing gear for survival in the high mountains, mountain weather, alpine ecology, avalanche hazard assessment, and Leave No Trace ethics

Travel Insurance and Rescue Insurance

We require the purchase of insurance plans to protect you from the unexpected. Please consult with your insurance company with any specific questions, regarding coverage, and policy details, and if you have any questions contact our offices.

Mountain Snacks

We recommend that you bring snacks to supplement the mountain lunches for 3 days. Take snacks that you genuinely enjoy. Eating well is the key to maintaining your strength while in the mountains. And in order to combat the loss of appetite at altitude, it is best to have a variety of foods from which to choose, from sweet to sour to salty.

 

Which route will we climb?

Route is confirmed by your guide based on conditions, your experience, and your goals. Options include: South Ridge of Mount Superior, Toledo Ridge, Pfeifferhorn North Ridge, and additional objectives depending on your background. Contact us to begin planning.

Do you provide transport from my hotel?

We cannot provide transportation. But the drive from downtown Salt Lake City is 20–25 minutes

Most programs meet at the Park & Ride lots at the mouths of Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, or directly at resort accommodations in the canyons. Your guide confirms the exact meeting location prior to your program date.

What is the difference between the 1-day and 2-day programs?

The 1-day ‘speed’ option is a direct, continuous ascent and descent — typically 10–12 hours. The 2-day program includes a Day 1 approach and camp establishment, overnight under the North Ridge, and a Day 2 summit and descent. The 2-day format suits climbers who want a fuller expedition experience and more technical terrain without rushing.

What gear do I need to bring?

Personal boots (rental available), crampons (rental available), gloves, backpack, and layered clothing. All technical group gear — ropes, hardware, harnesses, ice axes, helmets, and beacons — is provided by WMG.

What is the cancellation policy?

Deposits non-refundable. 121+ days: 75%; 90–120 days: 50%; 60–89 days: 25%; 59 days or less: no refund. All cancellations in writing.

Explore the high quality alpine routes of the Wasatch Range

The Wasatch offers elite alpine terrain — exposed ridges, technical mixed routes, and stunning summits — in one of the most accessible mountain ranges in North America.

Book Trip
Location:
Utah
Group:
1-2 people
Duration:
1-2 days
Skill:
Beginner to Advanced, good fitness encouraged
Activities:
Alpine Climbing
Pricing

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.

Explore the high quality alpine routes of the Wasatch Range

The Wasatch offers elite alpine terrain — exposed ridges, technical mixed routes, and stunning summits — in one of the most accessible mountain ranges in North America.

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