Little Cottonwood Canyon Listed as Historic Site

Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah has become the first recreational climbing area in the United States to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places as of August 5, 2024. This recognition highlights the area's historical significance, particularly from 1962 to 1974, when the Alpenbock Climbing Club established the first recorded climbing routes and promoted the Leave No Trace movement. The formal recognition ceremony is scheduled for September 25, featuring a hike along the Alpenbock Loop Trail and participation from local climbing advocates and officials. The area is celebrated for its contributions to early rock climbing and the development of climbing technology. Julia Geisler from the Salt Lake Climbers Alliance emphasizes the need to protect and preserve this important cultural site for future generations. The climbing area's distinct granite formations have remained unchanged since the early 1960s, marking its enduring legacy in outdoor recreation.