Castleton Tower

Rock Climbing

A rock climber in a red helmet is jamming his taped hands into a crack and looking down at his feet.

Castle Valley

This is it! These are the desert towers everyone is talking about and for good reason. Castle Valley is defined by multiple sandstone towers dominating the skyline and 360-degree views looking towards the La Sal mountains, the Fisher Towers and down the Colorado River. All of the tower routes in Castle Valley require previous rock climbing experience, but with routes from 5.9 and upward we’ll help you choose a route appropriate for your climbing abilities, not to mention your perfect sized crack. Here are some of our favorite routes:

Castleton Tower

  • North Chimney (5.9-, III)

  • Kor-Ingalls (5.9+, III)

  • North Face (5.11-, III)

ThE Rectory

  • Fine Jade (5.11-, III)

  • Ministry (5.11, III)

The Priest

  • Honeymoon Chimney (5.11-, III)

PArriot Mesa

  • Super Natural (5.10, III)

Learn to Crack Climb

The rock climbing on Castleton Tower and the other surrounding desert towers demands good crack climbing technique. Skyward Mountaineering guides are also passionate instructors with a breadth of experience coaching climbers to hone their movement skills and peek in their climbing abilities. Castleton Tower’s proximity to world class single pitch crack climbing in Moab, Utah makes it a great place to spend a few days focusing on the nuances of crack climbing. With your specific goals and previous experience in mind, we’ll set up a custom itinerary pairing movement focused instruction with classic multipitch adventures on the desert towers.

Interested in more rock climbing in the Moab area? Check these trips out:

Moab Rock Climbing

Ancient Art

Crack Climbing Clinic

The Moab desert is a fantastic winter escape with the lower elevation and warmer temps. The best seasons for rock climbing are in the spring and fall when temps are most comfortable, it’s possible to chase the sun or shade depending on current conditions.

There are plenty of areas and routes for all abilities and fitness levels, from novice to expert. No prerequisites required.

If flying in, most people will prefer to arrive at Grand Junction Regional or Salt Lake City International Airport. A personal or rental vehicle will be necessary as climbing areas are spread out and remote.

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Moab, conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants. There are also multiple camping options at BLM campgrounds, these can be reserved online at recreation.gov

Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. See recommended gear list below:

    • Underwear: Should be comfortable, synthetic fibers wick moisture away from the body

    • Hiking socks: Lightweight warmth/cushion

    • Sun hat

    • Lightweight t-shirt: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away and keep you cooler and more comfortable during hot temps

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Wind jacket: Should have an integrated hood, stretch fabric is often more durable

    • Hard shell jacket: Lightweight protection for afternoon thunderstorms

    • Lightweight insulated jacket: Down is lighter and more compressible

    • Climbing pants or leggings: Lightweight and stretchy

    • Shorts: Optional, for warmer temps 

    • Climbing backpack: Approximately 30+ liters

    • On-route pack: Approximately 15 liters, optional for longer routes. It is also possible to carry a 25-ish liter pack to the base of the route and then also use it on the route instead of the two pack system

    • Approach shoes: Should have sticky rubber outsole for security while scrambling on the approach and/or descent, though lightweight hiking shoes are an acceptable substitution

    • Rock climbing shoes: Comfortable for all day wear

    • Chalk bag w/ chalk

    • Belay gloves: Full fingered recommended

    • Crack gloves: Optional, manufactured tape gloves are more comfortable and provide great base coverage for the best protection while hand jamming

    • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

    • Harness: Must have a belay loop and at least two gear loops

    • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

    • Assisted braking device: Your guide can provide a lightweight device to securely belay the leader, but if have a preferred device such as a GriGri, you may bring that

    • 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling. A Personal Anchor System (PAS) may be used instead

    • 2-3 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner

    • 1-2 Non locking carabiners

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

    • Fully charged phone

    • Headlamp with fully charged batteries

    • 1-2 liters of water: A soft water bottle is more comfortable in a pack but care needs to be taken to not puncture it

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)

1 climber: $575/day

2 climbers: $385/climber/day

3 climbers: $330/climber/day

4 climbers: $275/climber/day

Includes:

  • 1 day of guided climbing with an AMGA Rock guide

  • Group climbing equipment (ropes, rock protection and anchor material)

Does Not Include:

  • Additional expenses associated with a change in the itinerary

  • Transportation

  • Lodging

  • Meals

  • Guide gratuity