Free Soloing the "West Slabs" (Mount Olympus, Utah)

Free soloing the West Slabs of Mount Olympus on June 29th, 2019.

[@TheDiabeticHiker]

There was a fatal accident here yesterday, James Roache of Utah, who slipped down the snow and rocks. This is an adventure that shouldn't be taken lightly, especially with the snow portion - www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/recovery-effort-underway-after-climber-falls-on-mount-olympus

[@pitherra]

Looks fun!! I will never be able to climb. I'm too scared, short and plump.

[@TheDiabeticHiker]

Well, thanks for watching! It was a fun adventure but I'll bet that most people, even in good hiking condition, wouldn't dare this one due to the heights and possibility of falling. Sure is fun...and challenging.

[@Andy-vl3sm]

Great Video! I have done the slabs one time and took a different descent. Looking like I may opt for this route. How do you think the Apollo would be without snow? This snow year has left little snow left so I'm wondering if the scree field will be brutal without snow. What do you think?

[@TheDiabeticHiker]

Thanks! And that's a good question! I haven't been down to Salt Lake in a few weeks and have not looked at the couloir to see how much snow is up there still. You can see it pretty good from the road if you drive to Barbacoa in Olympus Cove (off of Wasatch Blvd in SLC). If there is any snow remaining, it will be easier to traverse than rocks. But the rocks would suck to traverse down. In my honest opinion - if there is no snow in the couloir descent, then I would just descend the adjacent gully next to the approach. It isn't worth the tremendous effort if the snow is all gone, so yes, I would agree with your assessment on it. To be clear though, I have NOT done Apollo with only rocks and no snow. It *could* be okay descending, but I highly doubt it. Good luck if you go and please be safe! There was a fatality earlier this year on the ascent when a man slipped on the snow and slid into the rocks.

[@jordan9661]

My buddy and I are planning on going this spring with someone who has already done it. Do you have any tips. :)

[@TheDiabeticHiker]

Hey there. If you are doing it in the spring, expect more snow than rock adventure. This was done end of June and we still encountered a lot of snow. Although it was a heavy snow year. Regardless, I highly recommend an iceaxe, crampons for your boots as sneakers in snow just doesn't cut it. We had microspikes. Also bring a harness and a 200-ft rope as you may need to use it (or maybe not. Conditions is what changes this). Once you reach the top, and you don't want to climb down what you just did, you can take a drainage to west, or do what we did, go down the Apollo Couloir to the east (although this route will be longer than the other 2 options). We ran out of water because it was so hot outside, but in the spring you may be okay. But 2-3 liters is the minimum for sure. Other than that, it's a physically demanding route so be prepared for that. Otherwise good luck and have lots of fun! It's a great route.

[@izaki_9997]

Yeah I recommend getting more experience before risking your life. I’ve done this route countless times with my kids and it’s no joke

[@anitavaughn1968]

Those views!

[@TheDiabeticHiker]

Anita Vaughn thanks!

[@DennyPlank]

Solo’d this last week. When we got the top we didn’t know where to go and just bushwhacked down the mountain. It sucked!

[@TheDiabeticHiker]

Yikes. When you bushwhacked down, did you go to the ridge line to your west or east?