What’s the latest on the UDOT proposals for Little Cottonwood Canyon?

Remember hearing about the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) Little Cottonwood Environmental Impact Statement? 

Here’s an update...

Where have we been?

In the summer of 2021, UDOT identified two proposals to mitigate wintertime traffic congestion in Little Cottonwood Canyon: roadway widening to add additional lanes or a gondola. Both run from the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta and Snowbird, both are slated to run only in the winter, neither have mid-stops for user groups including hikers, climbers, backcountry skiers, etc., and both are currently estimated to cost over $500 million.

How does roadway widening for additional lane(s) impact climbing?

This alternative would affect some of the most popular and accessible roadside crags and climbing access trails, including the Alpenbock Loop. Roadside parking would be reduced or eliminated and available parking at the Gate Buttress reduced. 

How does the gondola impact climbing?

The proposed gondola in LCC would be the longest in the world, running from the mouth of the canyon to Alta and Snowbird. This proposal has irreversible impacts to the beautiful landscape and viewshed of LCC. The gondola towers would also impact the overall climbing experience as well as the resource, including trails and boulders.

Check out SLCA’s mapping of both proposals with the climbing resource overlay here.

Where are we going?

Following the September 3rd, 2021 deadline for public comments, UDOT announced that they received a record number of comments - more than 13,000! Thank you for submitting your comments. As such, the release of the final recommendations for the transit proposal to the Utah Legislature could happen this winter or next spring while UDOT responds to each comment and continues their analysis. The SLCA continues to work with UDOT and the USFS to provide them with the best resources possible to represent the climbing resource. After the final recommendations are released, we may have more clarity on what the future holds for LCC and how UDOT plans to pay for the project. 

What can I do now?

There are still many unknowns about either of UDOT’s proposals. At this point it is also unclear which alternative will receive support from the Utah Legislature and/or Federal Government. The next logical step we can do as climbers, while we wait for UDOT's final recommendation, is to reach out to your elected officials and let them know that you want them to protect the climbing resource and experience in LCC.  

What are some solutions?

Less impactful options exist. UDOT’s draft study is too limited in scope, does not include all users of the public lands within the canyon, and lacks a carrying capacity study to fully understand the impacts to our watershed. The SLCA is advocating for an adaptive management approach through more immediate solutions like an expanded electric bus system, running year round with mid-stops, coupled with tolling and other traffic mitigation strategies... before any permanent changes are made that will forever alter the landscape. 

Head to the action alert form to learn more and contact your representatives. 

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The SLCA continues to advocate for the protection of the climbing resource with the land agencies. Please consider donating to the SLCA to support these climbing advocacy efforts.

Photo by Jon Vickers of Hiram Maynez in LCC