The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance (SLCA) is a non-profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to protecting and enhancing climbing opportunities across the Wasatch Range and surrounding areas. Established in 2002, SLCA has become a crucial advocate for the climbing community, working tirelessly to balance recreation with environmental stewardship. The organization’s mission focuses on fostering responsible climbing practices, maintaining access to climbing sites, and promoting conservation to ensure these cherished natural resources remain available for future generations.

The Salt Lake Climbers Alliance collaborates closely with land management agencies, private landowners, and other outdoor advocacy groups to address key issues affecting climbers, such as land access, trail maintenance, and safety improvements. Through these partnerships, SLCA has been involved in bolting and anchor replacement initiatives, which are critical for maintaining the safety of routes as well as the sustainability of climbing areas. The organization also prioritizes educating the public about Leave No Trace principles and best practices to minimize the environmental impact of outdoor activities.

The alliance hosts community events, fundraisers, and stewardship projects that bring climbers together and promote a culture of collective responsibility. Annual events such as the Climbing Festival and trail work days offer climbers a chance to contribute to preserving the areas they love while building camaraderie among peers. SLCA also advocates for policies that support outdoor recreation and the responsible use of public lands, providing a voice for climbers in regional conservation efforts.

With Salt Lake City positioned as a gateway to world-class climbing destinations like Little Cottonwood Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and American Fork Canyon, SLCA plays a vital role in maintaining these areas. Its proactive approach has helped secure climbing access and foster a community that values both adventure and conservation, making it an essential asset to Utah’s outdoor recreation scene.

The Natural History Museum of Utah, located at the Rio Tinto Center in Salt Lake City, is a premier institution dedicated to showcasing the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the state. Opened in 1969 and relocated to its stunning, state-of-the-art facility in 2011, the museum is perched on the foothills of the Wasatch Range, offering breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley.

The museum’s mission is to illuminate the natural world and the place of humans within it, through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and cutting-edge research. It houses an extensive collection of over 1.6 million objects, including fossils, minerals, artifacts, and biological specimens, many of which highlight Utah’s unique geological and paleontological significance. The “Past Worlds” exhibit, for example, features an impressive array of dinosaur fossils, reflecting Utah’s rich prehistoric past.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts rotating special exhibitions, educational workshops, and public lectures, making it a hub for lifelong learning. The Natural History Museum of Utah also plays a vital role in scientific research, particularly in the fields of paleontology, archaeology, and ecology.

Through its innovative exhibits and community outreach, the museum inspires a deeper understanding and appreciation of Utah’s natural environment and its historical significance.

Save Our Canyons is a nonprofit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to protecting and preserving the wild canyons and mountains in the Wasatch Range. Founded in 1972 by a group of concerned citizens, the organization promotes responsible land use, conservation, and environmental stewardship in the region. Its primary goal is to safeguard the natural beauty, ecological health, and recreational value of areas like Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, which are vital for clean water, wildlife habitats, and outdoor activities.

Save Our Canyons works through a combination of grassroots advocacy, education, and collaboration with local governments, land management agencies, and other environmental organizations. The group advocates for policies that limit overdevelopment, protect watersheds, and ensure sustainable outdoor recreation. It also promotes public awareness of the environmental impacts of issues such as urban sprawl, climate change, and ski resort expansion.

By engaging the community in stewardship activities, such as trail maintenance and restoration projects, Save Our Canyons aims to foster a deeper appreciation for these landscapes. Through its efforts, the organization continues to play a key role in preserving the natural heritage of the Wasatch Mountains for future generations.