Guided Ancient Art Climb in Moab | Fisher Towers Multi-Pitch Adventure
One of the most famous tower climbs in the West, Ancient Art has a renown corkscrew summit that you must see to believe! Nestled in the Fisher Towers, one of the most unique groups of towers ever, this one one of those must do climbs that should be on everyone's bucket list.
Stolen Chimney: An Iconic Multi-Pitch Rock Climb in the Fisher Towers
You’ve probably heard of Ancient Art, and for good reason. This iconic multi-pitch climb features one of the most unique summits in the world and stands as a true symbol of desert climbing in Moab. Rising from the striking red and orange spires of the Fisher Towers, Ancient Art draws climbers from across the globe who want to experience something wildly different from anywhere else. The combination of exposure, movement, and setting makes this climb unforgettable—and yes, the summit really is as wild as everyone says.
Best suited for climbers who have previous experience climbing and belaying, the Stolen Chimney route is a classic moderate adventure up the famously soft “mud-stone” of the Fisher Towers. While the climbing itself is varied and playful, the real magic lies in the journey upward and the surreal feeling of standing atop a narrow corkscrew of rock, surrounded by sweeping desert views. This climb is equal parts adventure, challenge, and awe.
What It’s Like to Climb Ancient Art with a Guide:
After a scenic 45-minute drive from Moab, we’ll arrive at the Fisher Towers trailhead and begin a roughly 20-minute hike through one of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. The approach trail is mostly well maintained, featuring rock walkways, staircases, and gently sloping sections that make for a pleasant warm-up. The climber’s trail narrows as we near the base of the route and includes a short scramble over a boulder and one steeper, more exposed section—but nothing overly technical.
The climbing itself begins with an easy first pitch, perfect for getting comfortable on the rock and into the rhythm of multi-pitch movement. This is followed by a short, technical bolted face where precise footwork and balance come into play. If any section feels challenging, you’re absolutely welcome to pull on the quickdraws—this climb is about the experience, not proving anything.
The second pitch is a fun and classic stemming chimney, offering secure movement and an enjoyable change of style. The third pitch brings another short face climb before you arrive at the base of the final pitch—the reason most people come to Ancient Art in the first place.
The final pitch begins with the infamous “Diving Board,” a narrow sandstone sidewalk suspended high above the desert floor. From here, you’ll make your way toward the corkscrew summit. Whether you choose to walk confidently across, crawl low, or carefully scoot along, we fully support whatever feels safest and most comfortable for you. Once you reach the top, you’ll have the option to step onto the summit itself—a tiny platform not much larger than a large pizza—where the exposure and views are truly unforgettable.
Experience Level & Logistics
Ancient Art is recommended for climbers with some prior climbing experience. The route is rated 5.10d, or 5.10 A0 if you choose to pull on gear. You’ll need to be comfortable belaying, as you’ll be responsible for belaying your guide. This is a true multi-pitch climb, and the descent involves multiple rappels.
Expect early start times, especially during peak seasons, to stay ahead of crowds and—during summer months—to beat the heat. This climb is also a reminder of how fragile desert towers can be, and we encourage climbers to experience it respectfully while it still exists in its current form.
Duration
This adventure typically takes 4–6 hours total, town to town, making it a half- to three-quarter-day outing.
What to Bring
Please bring close-toed hiking shoes, 3–4 liters of water per person, lunch and snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection such as sunscreen, a sun shirt, and chapstick. A small backpack is recommended so you can carry water and essentials during the climb.
All technical gear is provided, including ropes, hardware, helmets, belay devices, harnesses, and climbing shoes. If you prefer to use your own gear, you’re more than welcome to do so—we’ll just give it a quick once-over to make sure you’re not showing up with a vintage 1985 harness inherited from your grandpa 😉
Why Climb Ancient Art with a Guide?
Ancient Art is one of the most famous multi-pitch rock climbs in Moab, but it’s also a serious desert tower that requires strong systems, careful movement, and efficient transitions. The soft sandstone of the Fisher Towers, exposed climbing, and multi-rappel descent make guided climbing an excellent choice for many climbers. Hiring a local Moab climbing guide allows you to focus on the experience while we manage route logistics, anchors, rappels, and risk management, not to mention bringing all the necessary equipment!
An Elevate Outdoors guide brings local knowledge of Ancient Art and the Fisher Towers, along with calm, supportive coaching throughout the climb. We help you move efficiently through each pitch, build confidence on technical sections, and get back to the ground safely. By handling the technical details and timing, we help reduce stress and maximize enjoyment on this unforgettable Moab climbing objective.
Climbing Ancient Art with a guide is also a responsible way to experience this fragile desert tower. With erosion and changing conditions, guided ascents help minimize impact while maintaining safety. If you’re looking to climb one of Moab’s most iconic routes with confidence, care, and expert instruction, a guided ascent of Ancient Art is a great choice. Plus, you are supporting the local community when you hire local!