MOAB, UTAH
castleton tower classics
1-Day
Advanced
From $525
PRIVATE TripS
March- May & Oct-December
EXPLORE MOAB
DISCOVER
| OVERVIEW |
The tower is world-renowned as a subject for photography and for its classic rock climbing routes, the most famous of which is the Kor-Ingalls Route featured in Fifty Classic Climbs of North America.
Many of the routes on Castleton are a bit more challenging than the other Moab area classics, making this experience a great goal in the progression of climbing more demanding routes after working with our team.
Castleton Tower is the namesake of the Castle Valley in Utah. A 400’ Windgate Sandstone tower standing on a 1,000’ Moenkopi-Chinle cone, makes it a sight to see.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Trip call
Our team will reach out to schedule a call prior to your trip. We’ll discuss good places to stay in town, your intentions and goals for the day, route overviews, review gear, and share a general time plan for the day. This is also a great time to meet and connect with your guide.
Morning
Meet at the Castleton Tower Trailhead and share a quick morning hello, and the day’s itinerary. The team will make any small adjustments to the kit and then take a stroll to our climb.
An integral part of climbing is familiarity with the area and its history. Our team shares some stories and educates as we approach the climb.
The climb
After about an hour of hiking, we are at the base of the climb! Instructions and reminders on gear and its removal, proper hydration, the rope systems, and belaying will be covered. We finish with a partner check, and then the team climbs!
End of day
At the cars, we focus our attention on the day; sharing the Rose, the Bud, and the Thorn to ruminate more deeply on the experience. It is often customary ( but not mandatory) to have a meal back in the town to celebrate the great days spent in the mountains!
Technical Experience
Multi-pitch climbing experience is required for this adventure. It’s advisable to have some experience climbing wider cracks.
SMG requires guests to have prior guided experiences with our team before attempting to climb Castleton Tower or have a referral from another guide service showing climbing ability.
Fitness
Moderate physical fitness is strongly recommended. Climbers should be able to hike 1000 vertical feet and climb for approximately 8-10 hours while carrying a small pack.
Climbers should feel comfortable climbing traditional-styled routes at the 5.10 grade.
CASTLETON TOWER
FIST JAMMING ON CASTLETON
| WHATS INCLUDED |
- Group climbing equipment
- Climbing helmet, harness, shoes, multi-pitch backpack
- Personal climbing gear supplements: carabiners, belay device, lanyards
- Certified guides
- Hotel accommodations in Moab
- Town dinners / libations
- Transportation to the venue and crags
- Snacks and water for the climbs
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides
THE SUMMIT REGISTER
WIDE PITCH, KOR INGALLS
| PRICING DETAILS |
MOAB, UTAH
castleton tower classics
1-Day
March- May & Oct-December
Advanced
Single: $525
Two Guests: $350 Per Guest
Private TripS
March- May & Oct-December
| QUESTIONS |
castleton tower classics.
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Moab offers all types of accommodations, from camping to high-end retreat spa ranches. For more information, visit DiscoverMoab.com.
For high-end accommodations, we recommend Gonzo Inn. Located downtown at 100 W. 200 S., Gonzo Inn offers luxurious and spacious rooms with an abundance of local flavor.
Equally impressive, the Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa’s private location along the Colorado River offers scenic views, luxury cabin suites with hydrotherapy tubs, full spa services, and massage therapy to soothe tired climbing muscles.
Middle-of-the-road (but very nice) lodging is available at Best Western Canyonlands Inn, located at 16 S. Main Street.
Even more economical is the Lazy Lizard Hostel (435-259-6057), 1213 S. Hwy. 191. Dorms ($10/night), private rooms ($24/night), and log cabins are available. Dorms are male, female, or co-ed and accommodate 4-8 people per room.
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There’s no easy way up Castleton Tower with the climbing starting at 5.9+. Good metrics for adequate strength and movement ability are being able to climb 5.11 in the gym, 5.9’s and 10’s outside, and a day climbing in Moab on cracks of all sizes.
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge. Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, and a small multi-pitch backpack. We can also provide additional climbing equipment such as carabiners and a belay device upon request.
While booking you can provide your gear needs via our questionnaire or you can email climb@smilemountainguides.com with personal gear requests.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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AIR TRAVEL
There are regular flights to Salt Lake City, Denver, and Grand Junction.
Two flights arrive in Moab from Salt Lake City, UT on Delta/Skywest Moab Airport.
We suggest making your reservation as soon as possible as these flights fill up quickly.
If flights are sold out, your options include flying into Grand Junction- GJ Airport, Salt Lake City- SLC Airport, or Denver- DIA Airport and renting a car.
Grand Junction is the closest option, just two hours away. Salt Lake City is next at four hours and Denver is five and a half hours drive from Moab.
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Smile focuses on small groups and ratios that meet or exceed the professional mountain guiding standard. In Moab we have a 2:1 ratio for multi-pitch days and can accommodate a 4:1 ratio for cragging days.
Depending on the specific group goals for these three days, we can accommodate a maximum group size of 8 climbers.
If the group wants to pay for an additional guide for the full three days, pricing remains the same. If the group only wants to bring another guide on for the multi-pitch days, we will charge the group our standard rates for that guide for the day. $525 at 1:1 or $700 at 2:1 ratio
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Please email:
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information about this program.