Something exciting is underway for the local climbing community. Last year, the Dinoland Adventure Project or DAP was created with a vision to expand the outdoor rock climbing scene in the Uintah Basin. Local climbing enthusiast Amber Toler is among those blazing the trail forward for outdoor climbing. “Our goal is to develop and maintain several crags that will not only put Vernal on the map as a rock climbing destination, but also give the growing climbing community a way to further their skills and excitement for the sport,” shares Toler. Serving on the Uintah County Dino Trails Committee and working with local agencies, DAP’s efforts gained momentum last year. In March of 2023, Uintah County applied for and was accepted into the Outdoor Recreation Planning Assistance (ORPA) Program on behalf of DAP. After visits to several potential sites with the Division of Outdoor Recreation in June, the Flag Wall at Remember the Maine Park was selected as DAP’s first project. Toler explains that this is “because of its incredible potential to be a safe and beginner-friendly crag, close to town. It’ll be the perfect stepping stone for someone who got started with climbing at the Rec Center Rock Wall and who wants to take their experience outdoors!” Development of the Flag Crag will start in May with the Salt Lake Climber’s Alliance coming out to install preliminary bolts and to share best practices in anchor installation and maintenance. Bolting will take place mostly in June and July with trail development happening in conjunction. The hope is that the Flag Crag can open to the public in August. To stay up to date on this exciting new project, follow Dinoland Adventure Project on Facebook.
