Moab, Utah Rock Climbing
A desert oasis set amongst towering red cliffs, the town of Moab, Utah serves as a basecamp for adventure. Surrounded by world class rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, rafting and exploring both natural and cultural history, Moab offers the complete package for any adventurer.
Surrounded by a plethora of towering red cliffs, spires rising from the sand and the Colorado River cutting through the middle of it all, the rock climbing options around Moab are endless. Whether you’re looking to focus on customized crack climbing instruction at one of the local cliffs, hone your trad leader skills or apply your climbing movement and efficiency to use on one of the many desert towers, Skyward Mountaineering offers customized private guided rock climbing throughout Moab.
Whether you want one day of rock climbing or linking up multiple objectives over several days during your vacation, we’ll create an itinerary that matches your goals.
Wall Street
By far the most convenient rock climbing area in the Moab area, Wall Street is a roadside cragging destination that hosts dozens of incredible quality rock climbing routes. With a bag of chips and cold beverages 10 steps away in the cooler, you could literally belay from the car at this famous zone. From 5.6 slab climbing fun for the family to technical, thin crack climbing and challenging face climbing, Wall Street is filled with multiple classic routes that are fun and easy to hone your movement skills and get the most bang-for-the-buck by removing literally all approach time.
Some of our favorite rock climbing routes at Wall Street:
30 Seconds Over Potash (5.8+)
Flakes of Wrath (5.9+)
Potash Bong Hit (5.9+)
Another Roadside Distraction (5.10)
Frogs of a Feather (5.10)
Lucy in the Sky with Potash (5.10)
Static Cling (5.11-)
Astro Lad (5.11-)
Skeletonic (5.11+)
Under the Boardwalk (5.12)
Kane Springs
Just outside of downtown Moab, Kane Springs Road diverts from the large canyon cut by the Colorado River and enters a deep and narrow canyon surrounded by multiple fantastic rock climbing crags. The crags along Kane Springs Road host a variety of opportunity with some perfect for beginner climbers wanting to focus on movement and basic systems, others for more advanced climbers looking to improve their crack climbing skills, and even some big and challenging multi-pitch routes up prominent buttresses. With the short approaches we will very often visit multiple rock climbing areas in this zone on the same day.
Ice Cream Parlor:
A great rock climbing area with a short approach, this crag is stacked with single pitch low angle cracks to hone your techniques on moderate routes and also hosts several multipitch routes to practice transitions and efficiency without getting committed on a desert tower.
Abraxas:
This sunny crag hosts multiple 5.10 cracks of a variety of sizes. Perfect for climbers looking to hone their crack climbing movement skills in a scenic setting.
Interested in more rock climbing in the Moab area? Check these out:
Castle Valley
Fisher Towers
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:
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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
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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
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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