(c) 2005 OGDEN HUB / Posted: July 12th, 2006

Jeff Lowe and Ogden Climbing Parks

Jeff Lowe and Ogden Climbing Parks have exciting plans for promoting, developing, and improving access to Ogden’s unique climbing resources. There’s plenty of work to be done, and things are just getting started, so for now, here’s a brief introduction:

I first read about Jeff Lowe in a Weber State University course called “Mountaineering Literature” taught by Mike Vause. The class was one of my favorites and most memorable, and included a survey of literature written by or dealing with the world’s greatest Alpinists. Part of the assigned reading and course curriculum included films, essays and experts from Jeff’s mountaineering experiences.

There was a special bit of interest and excitement reading and watching about Jeff, simply because his background and some of his first experiences were on the same mountains that I had access to. His experiences led him to great accomplishments, including over 1,000 ascents (that is a big number) on some of the most difficult climbs around the world. His biography and list of first ascents can be found on his website (http://www.jefflowe.info).

Jeff has recently returned to his home stomping grounds (Ogden), and is leading some very exciting opportunities for all levels of Ogden Mountaineering. He has formed a non-profit organization whose mission will be to promote and enhance the mountaineering assets in Ogden. We’ll here much more about Ogden Climbing Parks in the future, but for now, here are some of the initiatives that Jeff has started.

The Ogden Hollowgraphic Ice Tower

Jeff Designed a free-standing ice climbing tower for the ESPN winter X-Games, which has been purchased by Ogden Climbing Parks, and will soon be erected in Ogden’s Big-D Sports Park providing reliable and easy to access Ice Climbing. This will be a MAJOR contribution to Ogden’s recreation and will draw hundreds of ice climbers to the area.

The Waterfall Canyon Climbing Park

Jeff has also been working diligently to secure and open new climbing areas in Waterfall Canyon. New Sport and Trad Routes, Farmed and Natural Ice Climbing, and the Via Ferrata will provide new opportunities for just about everyone in the beautiful setting of WaterFall Canyon.

New Climbing in Ogden Canyon

Jeff is also looking at opening and developing some new climbing areas in Ogden Canyon. Most of the good climbing areas in Ogden Canyon have been closed due to private property and access issues. Jeff has been working with some of the land owners to open some of these areas. This will provide some great new attractions, and excellent climbing that has been previously unavailable to local climbers.

If you are a climber in Ogden, there is lots to be excited about.

We’ll be posting more information about Ogden Climbing Parks and their projects in the near future. Without question, Ogden is lucky to have someone like Jeff involved in the community. His experience and passion for mountaineering will open doors and help to bring good things to Ogden.