West Slabs (III 5.5),
Mount Olympus

Rising to 9,026 feet straight out of the backyards of Olympus Cove’s multimillion-dollar mansions, Mount Olympus, with its sheer, intimidating north face, is one of SLC’s most striking peaks. Far below, the cityscape tests the confines of the Great Salt Lake Valley, threatening to contribute more tarnished air to the city’s fabled inversion layers.
The West Slabs is a favorite afternoon solo, long enjoyed by many an SLC hardperson. However, this 2,000-foot quartzite slab can also be pitched out, with adequate protection and nice belay ledges (bring long runners and be prepared to craft anchors). If your calves haven’t totally cramped up, round out your day with a blocky half-mile of knife-edge ridge running to the true summit of Mount Olympus, an oddly flat, pedestrian perch that contrasts sharply with the daunting Nordwand.