Rock Climbing USA

Rock Climb Moab Desert Towers

Custom trip Group: 1-3 people From $840 per Person

Note: Benegas Brothers Expeditions strives to provide the highest quality logistics, giving you the best climbing experience possible. For this expedition, we are working through our partner, Wasatch Mountain Guides.

 

Moab is home to some of the most iconic sandstone towers and desert landscapes in the world. From legendary climbs like Castleton Tower and Ancient Art to crack systems that define desert climbing, this is a landscape unlike anywhere else — and climbing it requires a set of skills unique to the Colorado Plateau.

 If this is your first tower adventure, BBE are specialists at suggesting the best climb for your level and teaching the skills you need to reach the summit. If you are an experienced desert climber, this is access to the classics — guided at the right level, with a 1–3 client maximum that keeps the experience personal.

We offer custom trips for every level of climber and adventurer — from single-pitch skill-building days to full multi-pitch tower ascents and 3-day adventures that combine tower climbing with canyoneering. The low guide-to-client ratio ensures the individual attention you need to take your climbing to a unique level.

“Willie proposed the right climb and competently guided us with a high level of empathy and diligence. Thanks again for a great day out on the mountain.”

Popular Moab Classics We Guide

  • Castleton Tower (5.9–5.11) — A true desert classic and one of North America’s 50 Classic Climbs
  • Ancient Art (5.8 A0 / 5.10) — Famous for its airy corkscrew summit in the Fisher Towers
  • Lighthouse Tower (5.10) — Featuring the Lonely Vigil route, an aesthetic desert spire on River Road
  • Other towers: The Rectory, Sister Superior, Owl Rock, and more — 20+ options depending on ability and conditions

Duration: 1 to 3 days — single-day adventures and multi-day programs available

Group Size: 1–3 climbers per guide

Season: Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) — optimal desert climbing conditions

Difficulty: All levels — from first-time climbers to experienced trad leaders

Location: Moab, Utah — approximately 4 hours / 240 miles southeast of Salt Lake City

Meeting Point: Moab, Utah — confirmed by your guide based on your program objective

Lodging: Not included — Moab has camping, hotels, and vacation rentals across all price points; book in advance for spring and fall

Required Gear: Harness, helmet, climbing shoes — rentals available in Moab

Provided: Ropes, rack, anchor systems, and all group technical hardware

Every program is private and fully customized. Choose the format that fits your goals — or contact us and we will build the right program for you.

Single-Day Adventures

  • Tower Climbing — Choose from over 20 iconic towers, including Castleton, Ancient Art, Lighthouse, and more
  • Multi-Pitch Climbing — Learn and apply techniques on long desert routes
  • Single-Pitch Climbing — Perfect for newer climbers or those looking to build foundational skills
  • Canyoneering — Rappel through sandstone slots and hidden desert canyons
  • Crack Climbing Day — Focused instruction on hand, finger, off-width, and chimney techniques

Multi-Day Adventures

3-Day Multi-Adventure

  • Day 1: Warm-up day of single-pitch climbing and movement skills
  • Day 2: Multi-pitch desert tower climb — routes tailored to ability; tower ascents for one or two climbers on spires ranging 5.7 to 5.11
  • Day 3: Slot canyon and canyoneering adventure

3-Day Desert Towers

  • Day 1: Training and crack climbing clinic — belay/rappel skills, crack technique, chimney and off-width climbing
  • Day 2: Climb Ancient Art in the Fisher Towers
  • Day 3: Climb Castleton Tower via the Kor-Ingalls Route — one of North America’s 50 Classic Climbs

Educational Clinics

  • Intro to Crack Climbing (2 Days): Learn the fundamentals of crack technique — hands, fists, fingers, off-widths, and gear placement
  • Multi-Pitch Clinic (2 Days): Build efficiency and confidence for longer routes — belay transitions, anchor systems, and rappelling

What to Expect on Any Program

  • Personalized instruction: trips tailored to your experience level and climbing goals
  • Certified guides: AMGA-trained guides with deep knowledge of Moab’s unique climbing terrain
  • Flexibility: choose from classic tower summits, technical clinics, or full adventure days
  • Unforgettable landscape: the Colorado Plateau’s red rock desert is unlike anywhere else in the world

No — and yes, depending on your objective. Single-pitch days and crack clinics are appropriate for beginners with no prior experience. Multi-pitch tower climbs require that you are comfortable on moderate rock and can follow a guide on exposed terrain. Castleton Tower and Ancient Art require some prior outdoor climbing experience. Contact us with your background and we will recommend the right program.

Desert towers on the Colorado Plateau require skills unique to sandstone — crack technique, chimney movement, and an understanding of how to trust friction on a softer rock type than most climbers are used to. The exposure is also genuine: these are freestanding spires with significant air below the summit. Your guide specializes in teaching these specific skills and assessing the right objective for your level.

The classic Kor-Ingalls Route is rated 5.9, four pitches. It involves crack climbing, some face moves, and a committing chimney section near the top. Manageable for an experienced climber who can follow 5.9 — but the desert setting, sandstone rock type, and genuine exposure make it a serious undertaking compared to a gym climb of the same grade. It is one of North America’s 50 Classic Climbs for good reason.

Ancient Art is the most distinctive summit in the Fisher Towers — a corkscrew spire with a skyline silhouette unlike anything in climbing. The route is rated 5.8 A0 or 5.10 free, and the summit platform is barely big enough to stand on. The views from the top across the Colorado River canyon are extraordinary. A unique and memorable objective for climbers ready for a more adventurous desert experience.

Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are the optimal climbing windows in Moab. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F / 38°C making most rock too hot to climb safely. Winter is possible on some south-facing walls but requires flexibility around cold weather. Custom dates are always available — contact us and we will confirm current conditions.

No. Lodging in Moab is not included. Moab has a strong range of options: BLM and campground camping ($15–$30/night), budget motels, mid-range hotels, and vacation rentals throughout town. Book well in advance for spring and fall — Moab is one of Utah’s most popular destinations and accommodation sells out months ahead during peak climbing season.

WMG private guiding has a 10-day cancellation policy. No refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the scheduled trip date. Cancellations before the 10-day deadline: full refund less a 15% booking fee. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. Trip insurance is strongly recommended.

Rates

From $600 per person  ·  1–3 climbers per guide  ·  1–3 day programs

Final pricing depends on group size, program duration, and chosen objectives. Contact us for a custom quote — we will respond with a full program proposal within 48 hours.

Included

  • IFMGA-certified / AMGA-trained guide
  • Ropes, rack, anchor systems, and all group technical hardware
  • Personalized instruction tailored to your level and objectives
  • Route selection and daily planning based on your goals and current conditions

Not Included

  • Transportation to/from Moab
  • Lodging in Moab (book independently — see At a Glance for guidance)
  • Food and beverages
  • Personal harness, helmet, and climbing shoes (rentals available in Moab)
  • Guide gratuities (customary: $50–$100/day)  ·  Trip insurance (strongly recommended)

Getting to Moab

Moab is approximately 4 hours / 240 miles southeast of Salt Lake City via I-70 east to US-191 south. The nearest commercial airport is Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY) in Moab, with regional service from Salt Lake City and Denver. Most climbers fly into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and rent a car for the drive south — one of the great Utah road experiences through canyon country.

Booking & Custom Dates

Scheduled trips run throughout spring and fall seasons, but custom dates are always available. Contact us to coordinate your program, confirm guide availability, and build the right itinerary for your group.

Cancellation Policy

WMG 10-day policy: no refunds within 10 days of trip date. Before deadline: full refund less 15% booking fee. All cancellations in writing. Trip insurance strongly recommended.

Insurance

Activity insurance is recommended for all climbing programs. We recommend Spot Insurance (spotinsurance.com) for daily activity coverage.

The Desert is Calling. Bring a Rope.

Moab's sandstone towers are among the most iconic rock climbing objectives in the world — freestanding pillars rising from canyon country in a landscape unlike anything else on earth.

Book Trip
Location:
Utah
Group:
1-3 people
Duration:
Custom trip
Skill:
Beginner to Advanced, good fitness encouraged
Activities:
Rock Climbing
Pricing

Pricing is a typical estimate, final quote will be provided after receiving your inquiry.

The Desert is Calling. Bring a Rope.

Moab's sandstone towers are among the most iconic rock climbing objectives in the world — freestanding pillars rising from canyon country in a landscape unlike anything else on earth.

A Partner you can trust

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