MOAB HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Backside Ascent of Light House Tower: 180° Views from a Card‑Table Summit
A technical, four‑pitch trad climb (Lonely Vigil, 5.10b) that tops out above the Colorado River with a sweeping 180‑degree vista of Big Bend — this guide details what to expect and who should attempt it.
Backside Ascent of Light House Tower: 180° Views from a Card‑Table Summit.
Light House Tower rises above the Colorado River, offering a 180‑degree panorama of Big Bend from a tiny summit. The route climbs the tower’s backside — the approach and line are not visible from River Road — and consists of four pitches of traditional crack and face climbing; because the route is a true trad climb, crack‑climbing experience is recommended and the climb is often taken as a progression after Castleton Tower.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Big Bend, Wide and Wild
From the summit the tower looks down on a full 180‑degree sweep of Big Bend and the Colorado River, a rare vantage made more dramatic by the summit’s exposure.
Lonely Vigil — Four Pitches of Trad Crack
Lonely Vigil (5.10b) is a four‑pitch traditional route that begins with broad, wide climbing and features a stem‑box corner as the crux on the second pitch; the line ascends the tower’s backside rather than the side visible from the road.
A Small, Exhilarating Finish
The summit block involves face climbing to a top that’s about the size of a small card table — intimate and exposed, with unforgettable surrounding views.
What the day feels like
What the Climb Feels Like
Expect technical, sustained climbing on natural protection: wide, stemming and crack techniques come into play across four pitches, with the second pitch’s stem‑box corner standing out as the route’s crux; the final moves are on a summit block that gives way to an expansive 180‑degree view.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this climb suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a roughly four‑hour outing for the climb itself.
This is a traditional crack‑climbing route — climbers should have trad/crack climbing experience and be prepared for multi‑pitch protection and exposed climbing.
Customized tours and group rates are offered; private charters incur an additional 25% charge.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the climb take?
The outing is typically about 4 hours in duration.
What is the route and difficulty?
The climb follows Lonely Vigil (5.10b) and consists of four pitches of traditional crack and face climbing.
Do I need trad or crack‑climbing experience?
Yes — this is a traditional route and crack‑climbing experience is recommended.
Can beginners do this climb?
No — given the technical crack climbing, the crux on pitch two, and the exposed, small summit, the climb is recommended for climbers beyond beginner level and is often taken after Castleton Tower.
Are group or private tours available?
Customized tours and group rates are available; a chartered private tour carries a 25% additional charge.
What is the summit like?
The summit block requires some face climbing and tops out on a platform roughly the size of a small card table, with a 180‑degree view of Big Bend.