Moab Rock Climbing

A rock climber wearing a red helmet and gray wind jacket is crack climbing a thin finger crack on a red sandstone tower.

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.

A rock climber in a green shirt and tan pants is leading a crack in a left facing corner on a red sandstone wall.

Wall Street

By far the most convenient rock climbing area in the Moab area, this roadside destination hosts some incredible quality rock climbing routes. With a bag of chips and cold beverages 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 and thin crack 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 any approach time.

A rock climber in a pink jacket and blue helmet is toproping a crack on a red sandstone wall.

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.

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)

A rock climber climbs up a narrow spire of sandstone. He is wearing an orange helmet and a gray shirt, the rope is secured above him.

Fisher Towers

The Fisher Towers are some of the most improbable looking rock climbing routes in the world. The Fisher Towers are composed of a Cutler sandstone on the bottom portion and capped by Moenkopi sandstone that resembles a child building castles on the beach by dribbling wet sand. These wildly eroded sandstone towers offer a totally unique style of rock climbing set amongst an incredible setting and big exposure. The iconic summit of Ancient Art stands out as a popular classic, accessible at a moderate grade of 5.8 with two short sections of 5.10 face climbing or pulling through on a bolt ladder. This exposed route ascends several fun pitches of chimneys, cracks and face climbing to a narrow walkway and an absolutely wild finish, a true adventure climb!

There are also several difficult and big wall aid climbing routes in the Fisher Towers for climbers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Routes such as the Finger of Fate on the Titan are fun, engaging and totally unique once-in-a-lifetime routes for climbers up for the challenge.

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