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Chips Wall

Utah > Wasatch Range > Central Wasatch > Big Cottonwood Canyon

Description

Chips Wall is an eastern continuation of the Upper S-Curve cliff band and is below the Above and Beyond Wall. It is south-facing and sunny, even in the winter. The approach is not well marked, and isn't much fun, so crowds are no problem. There are terrific views of the Millstone from this area.
There is some choss on lower sections of the wall, but that isn't the part of the wall that you came to climb. There are terrific diagonalling cracks that are nearly horizontal in places on the face above the large roof band that splits the wall. There are some water streaks (and water) on the wall, which adds to the adventure.

Getting There

Park in the first pullout on the north side of the road after passing the S-Curve. There is a bicycle sign and a pine tree with the top chopped off at the pullout. Just to the West of the sign and cut pine tree, there is a small talus slope. Climb the faint trail on the left for about 150 feet. Traverse through the brush towards the first ramp. From the top of the ramp, you can see the wall, but one last brushy traverse remains. The physically fit can make it to the base of the crag in 15 minutes if they're not afraid of getting scratched while bushwacking.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a PG13
 6
Chips and Salsa
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 6
New Mexican Crack
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Chips and Salsa
 6
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a PG13 Trad
New Mexican Crack
 6
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Traverse when you see this ramp.  This is the way to Chips Wall.  Sorry dirtbaggers, the gear pictured is no longer at this location.
[Hide Photo] Traverse when you see this ramp. This is the way to Chips Wall. Sorry dirtbaggers, the gear pictured is no longer at this location.
This is the pullout for Chips Wall and Above and Beyond Wall.
[Hide Photo] This is the pullout for Chips Wall and Above and Beyond Wall.
The "topless" tree that marks the trail as seen from the ramp that leads to Chips Wall.
[Hide Photo] The "topless" tree that marks the trail as seen from the ramp that leads to Chips Wall.
Chips Wall
[Hide Photo] Chips Wall

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Jhernand
Salt Lake City, UT
[Hide Comment] don’t waste your time on this wall... loose rock everywhere, mossy sections more then not, and climbing is less then stellar. with more traffic the trail in and out will get better, and same goes for the rock... but right now it should be at the end of your to do list. May 18, 2010
[Hide Comment] I disagree. I thought both routes were really fun and clean. I lead the 5.9 and TRed the 10a though, so FWIW. May 18, 2010
Jhernand
Salt Lake City, UT
[Hide Comment] well i pulled off many beach ball sized bolders so either it was loose or i am ripped out of my mind... that and much of the crack had dirt and moss in them... so that all said, a short ok route, and a less then great walk in... why? Jun 9, 2010