No. 617 Stuart Ruckman, 2010

File — Box: 67, Folder: 15

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Ruckman (b. 1966) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Stuart shares how his family, particularly his father, played a significant role in introducing him to the outdoors. Some of his initial explorations included a hike to the top of Mount Olympus when he was five years old, backpacking trips in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, and a successful summit attempt on the Grand Teton when he was twelve. Stuart discovered technical rock climbing due to the influence of his older brother Bret, five years Stuart's senior. Bret learned under Dennis Turville, a well-respected Salt Lake climbing instructor. Stuart shares his observations on the Salt Lake climbing community of the late 1970s and 1980s, noting the intimacy of the community, while also pointing out the significant influence of a handful of climbers, including Merril Bitter, Les Ellison, and Brian Smoot. He briefly describes the proliferation of new-route development in the Wasatch during his first decade in climbing. In collaboration with his brother Bret, Stuart published comprehensive guidebooks on climbing in the Wasatch Mountains. Stuart's contributions as a first-ascensionist and co-author of Rock Climbing the Wasatch Range attest to his lasting impact on Utah climbing.
Outdoor Recreation History Project.
Interviewer: Matt Driscoll

Dates

2010

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.