The Recess

The guidebook and this MP page fail to do this area justice. It's really, really fun! There are a ton of climbs in a really small area. The climbs are all in a sort of mini gorge the likes of which I've never seen before. The routes are in the shade most of the day, and the area is very cool in general. I really enjoyed myself here, have been there twice, and plan to go back to tick off the rest of the routes. Definitely worth a trip... or three or more.

As a side note, I think it's stupid that there aren't anchors on the routes. I'm fine with not putting any bolts on the routes themselves but come on, messing around with building anchors on these things is a pain the ass. It's an interesting paradox: on one hand you've got to respect the FA's wishes and ethics (Though you wonder were they just being cheap or lazy? I doubt it in this case, but still, it makes you think). On the other hand, you want as many people as possible to enjoy these routes. At the same time, if adding new routes, are you stuck with the original ethics of the area as far as not adding bolted anchors? I want as many people as possible to enjoy my routes, you know? And if other people happened to find and develop the crag before me, does that mean I can't add anchors on routes I do the FA of? Just something to think about... As far as I'm concerned, building anchors adds nothing to the 35-foot-high cragging experience and I don't feel that bolted anchors would lessen the traditional nature of the crag. Just something to think about... I'd be interested in seeing what others think.

(Edit: To clarify, I'm not really trying to make a case here for adding anchors to these existing routes. I just wanted to express my opinion and hear others' opinions.)

Climbed there on july 2 and found some new artwork scraped to the left of Grim Reachy. Someone wrote Wade 09 with a Homer Simpson like drawing, its an eye sore now. Climbed a cool route just left of "Streaked Prow" and Black Board. Was another fun classic route with big reaches to horizontals and took gear very well, great rock and a new piton at the top (which was nice for the move and to use for a back up anchor). I noticed a lot of tick marks all over every route. Its was nice but I think it took away the adventure to the climbs (not worried about route finding). The routes are so short here that walking off is easy and doesn't take long. This is like a miny hard grit area, I think Woodward wanted to give UT a taste of what it is like to climb in England. This is a very cool area and does deserve attention because the rock is quality and the climbs are fun. If I were to add some bolts I would do it for the sick high lining options you could do. Woodward has chopped bolts around this area before, just a heads up (I wont chop em and dont tell jonney! :) I agree that the guide book sucks and some of the grades are way off. I went for what looked good and what looked doable for me.

I would be all for adding anchors. I don't think it degrades the area. If it was still a wagon track up there no one would go. But there happens to be a paved highway right there. So add anchors if you are so kind. No one has to use them if they don't want. They could pull their hand cart up there and walk off.

I think people should respect the FA folks who "opened" routes here and not add anchors to the routes without their permission. Even DK, someone who's not afraid of putting in bolted anchors, respected the tradition of this crag with his route and didn't add a top anchor.

Plenty of rock in the Uintas.

From bolted cracks in Rock Canyon to traditional crags like this one, I hope that the different styles can be respected. This is not a case of laziness or cost determining how the routes were put up. It's a matter of aesthetics and efficiency. Why waste resources and leave your trace when you don't have to?

Not every place needs bolted anchors, they aren't accepted anywhere in the UK (that's why maybe they all come over to drill and clip!?), and though inconvenient, it is still an awesome place to climb. Bolted stations are not obligatory everywhere in Utah...try Minnesota, where they seem to have a no cleaning, no chaulk, no bolting, no leading tradition/ethic. You'll start thinking we are actually a progressive state in this ONE way and we have it pretty good!

I would argue strongly against bolting OR ticking anything at the Recess. This crag lends itself to placing gear, in the cracks and at the anchors. It is a great place to learn and practice setting anchors using gear. Please don't ruin that opportunity merely to create easier access. It is also a very beautiful and pristine place... please let it be.

The Recess is fun little area that needs no bolted anchors. I think the FA's had it right leaving it natural. I live less than twelve miles from the Recess and enjoy the "land of the lost" feeling of the place. It bummed me out the other day when I went up there and found hundreds of tick marks and graffiti scratched on the walls. I imagine bolted anchors would bring more of the same. Building a natural anchor is not so hard. Please, let it be.

I too was really disappointed to find ALL of the routes here ticked (Aug 20th, 2009). Whoever did this is really missing the point of this area. I know that they probably won't ever read this and the people that will already know better, but I had to express my frustration and disappointment somewhere. Don't do this ever, unless you are going to rap every route and brush them off.