Guided Castleton Tower Climb | Crack & Multi-Pitch Climbing in Moab

Want to try your hand at crack climbing and multi-pitch climbing on one of the most iconic desert towers in the world? Let our AMGA-certified climbing guide lead you safely up Castleton Tower, a classic four-pitch adventure that has challenged and inspired trad climbers for decades. Standing boldly on its own above Castle Valley, Castleton Tower is a true Moab classic and a must-do objective for climbers looking to experience real desert tower climbing.

Castleton has long been considered a testpiece for trad climbers. With a varied mix of hand cracks, off-width sections, and fun stemming, the climbing is engaging, physical, and incredibly rewarding. The exposure builds gradually as you move up the tower, and by the time you reach the upper pitches, you’ll feel fully immersed in the desert environment. This route offers an excellent opportunity to develop crack climbing technique and experience true multi-pitch systems while being supported by a knowledgeable local guide.

The route is rated 5.9+ on Mountain Project, though most climbers agree the grade is sandbagged and closer to solid 5.10 desert tower climbing. To enjoy this climb, you should be comfortable climbing 5.9 in the gym, have prior outdoor climbing experience, and be prepared for a steep 1.5-hour approach hike. This is not an introductory climb, but it is a fantastic goal for climbers looking to step into longer routes and classic Moab terrain with professional guidance.

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What to Expect on a Guided Castleton Tower Climb

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Castleton Tower is located about a 35-minute drive from Moab, followed by a steep and sustained approach hike. Because of the popularity of this climb and the exposure to sun, we typically plan for an early start. Your guide will choose one of two moderate routes depending on weather and conditions—one sunnier, one shadier—to ensure the best experience possible.

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You’ll follow your guide up the route, removing traditional gear they’ve placed for protection as you climb. Several belay stations are hanging belays, adding to the true multi-pitch feel of the climb and offering a great learning opportunity for climbers interested in developing efficiency on longer routes. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Colorado River corridor, Castle Valley, and the La Sal Mountains—an unforgettable moment that makes the effort well worth it. Three rappels will get you to the ground, followed by a descent back to the cars. 

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Duration & Timing

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This climb typically takes 4–6 hours total, town to town, depending on group size, pace, and conditions. Castleton Tower is extremely popular during climbing season, and it’s not uncommon to encounter multiple parties on the route. Because of this, early starts are often required to avoid crowds and ensure a smooth, enjoyable day.

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What to Bring

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Please bring close-toed hiking shoes, 3 liters of water per person (including one liter in a small bottle to take on the climb), lunch and snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection such as sunscreen, a sun shirt, and chapstick. A small backpack to carry water and snacks on the climb is recommended, and trekking poles can be helpful for the approach. If you don’t have a suitable pack, we can supply one.

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Gear Provided

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We provide all technical climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, belay devices, and climbing shoes. If you prefer to use your own gear, that’s absolutely fine—we’ll just take a quick look to make sure everything meets our safety standards.

 

Climbing Castleton Tower with an experienced guide allows you to focus on movement, exposure, and enjoying the experience, while we handle the logistics, safety systems, and local considerations. If you’re looking for a classic guided crack climbing and multi-pitch adventure in Moab, Castleton Tower is an unforgettable place to start.

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Why Climb Castleton Tower with a Guide?

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Castleton Tower is one of the most iconic multi-pitch climbs in Moab, but it’s also a serious desert objective that comes with real challenges. The combination of crack climbing, traditional protection, hanging belays, exposure, route-finding, and a steep approach means there’s a lot to manage in a single day. Climbing with an experienced, AMGA-certified guide allows you to focus on climbing well and enjoying the experience, while we take care of the logistics, safety systems, and decision-making.

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Our guides bring local knowledge of Castleton Tower, including route selection, efficient pacing, and strategies for navigating crowds during peak season. We handle gear placement, anchor management, and transitions at belays, keeping the day moving smoothly and minimizing unnecessary stress. Along the way, we offer thoughtful coaching on crack technique, stemming, and movement through exposed terrain, helping you climb with more confidence and efficiency.

 

Guided ascents are also one of the best ways to climb Castleton Tower responsibly. With its popularity and fragile desert environment, thoughtful route management and efficient systems help reduce impact while maintaining safety. Whether Castleton has been on your tick list for years or you’re ready to step into your first desert tower, climbing with a guide offers a supportive, well-managed way to experience this classic Moab climb.