MOAB CASTLE FIELD GUIDE
On the North Chimney: A Full-Day Ascent of Castleton Tower
An 8+ hour, multi-pitch climbing experience on Castleton Tower in Castle Valley — ideal for climbers with prior multi-pitch experience and operated by Red River Adventures.
On the North Chimney: A Full-Day Ascent of Castleton Tower.
Embark on an exhilarating climbing adventure at Castleton Tower in Moab, Utah, tackling the iconic North Chimney — a classic multi-pitch crack route that draws climbers from around the world and demands solid climbing experience and physical conditioning.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The North Chimney — A World-Famous Line
The North Chimney (5.9) is moderate crack climbing on one of the world’s most famous towers and is the signature objective for this outing; advanced climbers also have options such as the Kor-Ingalls (5.9) and the North Face (5.11).
A Full-Day, Technically Demanding Climb
Expect a difficult, multi-pitch ascent that tops out at roughly 400 feet (121 meters) and requires competent ropework and prior multi-pitch experience to move efficiently over the line.
A Steep, Strenuous Hike to the Tower Base
The approach gains about 1,300 feet (~400 meters) in 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers), making the hike to the base demanding and requiring good physical conditioning; teams start early to help mitigate overcrowding and potential backups on the route.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
This is a long, commitment-oriented outing: a full day in Castle Valley that begins with a steep approach, moves into sustained multi-pitch crack climbing on one of North America’s iconic towers, and finishes after descending back off the formation — a rewarding, high-exposure climb for those prepared for its demands.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full-day outing (8+ hours); meetup times vary by season and are listed on the operator calendar, and start times can change due to temperature and route conditions.
Meet at the operator’s listed location in Moab: 1140 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532; exact meet time varies with season and conditions.
This climb is a technical, multi-pitch ascent; participants must arrive with the climbing experience and personal equipment appropriate for multi-pitch crack climbing and a strenuous approach.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is a full day, listed at 8+ hours.
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at 1140 S Main St, Moab, UT 84532; meeting times vary by season and are subject to change based on temperature and route conditions — check the calendar for your date.
Do I need prior experience?
Yes — the North Chimney is a multi-pitch route and the trip is intended for climbers with some multi-pitch experience and good physical conditioning.
Is overcrowding an issue?
Castleton Tower has recently experienced overcrowding and congestion; operators start early to mitigate this, but guests may still encounter backups and wait times.
Is tipping expected for guides?
Guides work hard to provide a safe and memorable trip; if they meet or surpass expectations, consider a gratuity — U.S. guidelines are similar to restaurants (15–20%).