MOAB CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Finger-to-finger on Moab’s classic crack: a full day on Castleton Tower
A 5–7 hour guided outing that pairs a 30-minute drive and a 1.5-hour approach with multi-pitch crack routes like Kor‑Ingalls and the North Chimney—essential reading for experienced trad climbers.
Finger-to-finger on Moab’s classic crack: a full day on Castleton Tower.
Rising alone in Castle Valley, Castleton Tower is a desert monolith of perfect sandstone cracks and multi-pitch lines. This guided full‑day climb focuses on crack techniques on classic routes such as Kor‑Ingalls and the shady North Chimney, and is designed for climbers with previous trad experience who want a concentrated day of sustained crack climbing.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Classic multi‑pitch crack climbing
The day centers on Castleton’s renowned traditional lines — Kor‑Ingalls for sun‑soaked, sandbagged fun and the North Chimney for a cooler, more sheltered climb — all purely crack technique.
Drive and hike to the tower
Expect a roughly 30‑minute drive followed by an approach that can take about 1.5 hours to reach the base before the climb begins.
A demanding day for experienced climbers
This outing is best for climbers who are already comfortable on trad cracks and multi‑pitch terrain; the tower delivers sustained technical climbing and memorable exposure.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The outing unfolds as a compact, endurance‑focused climb: a short drive into Castle Valley, an approach across desert terrain, then several pitches of crack climbing that reward steady technique with wide views from the tower. The itinerary compresses approach, sustained trad climbing, and descent into a single 5–7 hour day.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this full‑day Castleton Tower climb suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 5–7 hour outing from drive to return.
Pack water, sunscreen, snacks, a backpack, hiking shoes and a hat; the operator provides all technical climbing equipment.
The outing includes approximately a 30‑minute drive and a roughly 1.5‑hour hike to the tower base before climbing begins.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Castleton Tower outing?
The full day experience runs about 5–7 hours from departure to return.
What routes will we climb?
Guides commonly lead classic multi‑pitch crack routes on Castleton Tower, including Kor‑Ingalls and the North Chimney.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring water, sunscreen, snacks, a backpack, hiking shoes and a hat; technical climbing equipment is provided by the operator.
Is climbing gear provided?
Yes — all technical climbing equipment is provided for the outing.
What experience or fitness level is required?
The trip is best for climbers with prior experience: ideally a solid 5.10 gym climber or a 5.9 outdoor climber, and sufficient fitness for a 1.5‑hour approach and multi‑pitch climbing.
How long is the approach to the tower?
Expect roughly a 1.5‑hour hike from the trailhead to reach the base of Castleton Tower, after about a 30‑minute drive to the area.