On an early Wednesday morning, I set out with a climbing group from White Pine Touring, and headed into the Uinta Mountains for excitement and adventure! Our guide eagerly checked the weather and prepared for the day. Ropes, gear, and bags full of layers, snacks, and sunscreen were all loaded into ‘Gertrude,’ the trusted White Pine van.
There’s something special about waking up early for a day of climbing. There’s a sense of calm mixed with anticipation, knowing you’re about to dive into an exciting day of new experiences that will challenge you physically and mentally. It’s a throwback to when life wasn’t all about technology or phones. It’s just you and nature, every tree and rock face calling out to be explored.
On this day, we ventured into the Uintas with a diverse 5-person group. One was a rock-climbing guide, two had outdoor climbing experience, one was a 9-year-old child who had only climbed at a gym, and the last was a talented photographer to document the day. The variety of experience levels added a unique dimension to the adventure, and everyone had a fantastic time.
“White Pine caters to all climbers, from experienced adventurers to those seeking to get ‘into the outdoors.’ With decades of local area knowledge along with our privately booked tours, we provide a memorable service to clients.”
White Pine Rock Climbing Guide Francis Kopp
On this particular tour out in the Uintas, 9-year-old Siena climbed her very first route outdoors. It was exciting to watch her navigate climbing on actual rock and find her way to the ledge. At such a young age, she was crushing it, showing how beneficial a guide can be in helping get you to the next level. Sienna is proof that rock climbing tours are really for anyone who wants to overcome their fears and have some fun out on the rock.
What sets White Pine Touring apart from other shops is their deep passion for outdoor adventures. Our employees are not just guides—they are adventurers at heart, dedicated to helping you create lasting memories while ensuring your safety every step of the way. Being a part of the Jans’ family of retail stores, White Pine is at the forefront of outdoor adventure in Park City, Utah.
With decades of experience and a deep passion for the outdoors, White Pine Touring is committed to creating Utah’s best climbing experience. Each tour is customized individually and caters to everyone from beginners to seasoned climbers. Each rock climbing guide has a Wilderness First Responder Certification, ensuring every participant is safely enjoying an epic day out in the Uintas.
“Ruth Lake is a perfect spot to bring new climbers out on their first experience. With a wide variety of climbing difficulties and styles, it presents both the perfect challenge and perfect experience for folks getting into the outdoors.”
Francis Kopp
Nowadays, it is common for people to begin climbing at indoor climbing gyms. In the gym, the holds are an array of beautiful colors and easily identifiable shapes. When we move to climbing outdoors, it can be exciting and scary, but it can also be extremely rewarding. Sometimes, your next move isn’t obvious, and it requires some fun problem-solving.
During one of our climbs that day, the rock was cold, and towards the crux (the most challenging part of the climb), it was also a bit wet, making the most difficult move even harder. But being on top rope adds a lot of security, so we were able to get through the most challenging part, knowing the rope would catch us if we fell. It was great to climb with different levels of experience because there are many different routes with various difficulty ratings right next to each other.
Preparing for Your Climbing Tour
Safety is the top priority of all our tours. White Pine Touring provides all the necessary climbing gear, from helmets to harnesses, ensuring that everything is of the highest quality. Our safety protocols are rigorous, so you can focus on the climb while we take care of the rest.
Show up to your tour with comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water! Your guide handles the planning, transportation, lunch, and equipment, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure without any stress.
Not only do our talented White Pine guides bring extensive local knowledge and a commitment to your safety, they know the best routes including the hidden gems, and they know how to make your climbing experience unforgettable based on your experience level.
We understand that everyone has different goals and abilities. That’s why our tours are fully customizable. Whether you want a family-friendly outing or a challenging day of climbing, we can tailor a tour to suit your needs.
Embrace Adventure Before Summer Ends
As summer winds down, there’s no better time to embrace the outdoors and experience the thrill of climbing. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, a family outing, or a group challenge, our White Pine guides are here to make your experience unforgettable. We tailor every climb to match your ability level, ensuring a perfect day on the rock.
Ready to climb? Visit our website, WhitePineTouring.com, and explore our rock climbing tours to book your tour today. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories and explore the beauty of Utah from new heights.
End your summer on a high note—literally—with Jan’s Mountain Outfitters and White Pine Touring. We can’t wait to climb with you!
By Calindra Revier, Content & Social Media Manager, Jans.com
