No. 746 Dave Bell, 2014

File — Box: 72, Folder: 19

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Dave Bell was born on June 17th, 1970 in San Jose, California, but moved to Salt Lake City during his adolescent years. Dave began climbing in 1985, first bouldering at the Gate Buttress in Little Cottonwood Canyon and shortly thereafter climbing routes at the Dihedrals and the Green A Gully in LCC. Before long, he began to explore Big Cottonwood Canyon, Rock Canyon, and other local crags. Dave discusses some of the influential figures in Salt Lake climbing during the 1980s. He shares his observations on The Body Shop, which was formed in 1988 and functioned to a significant extent as a community hub. Dave eventually became the owner of The Body Shop. It moved to a new location in Sandy and was renamed the Wasatch Front Rock Gym (The Front) around 1994 and operated at that site until 1999. When he became interested in pursuing other interests, Dave and partner Rob Gilbert sold The Front. The Front is still operational today, owned by Dustin Buckthal and located near downtown Salt Lake City. In 1999, Dave began to make indoor climbing holds and formed Pusher. He discusses the benefits and challenges of working in the outdoor recreation industry, particularly in Salt Lake City. Dave also shares stories about his travels to climbing destinations in the Mountain West, Europe, and other places. He continues to climb today and owns Bell Organic Farms.
Project: Outdoor Recreation.
Interviewer: Matt Driscoll.

Dates

2014

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.