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Moab road trip

Original Post
€ $t0& 960 €® · · Colorado · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 55

So I'm taking the gang (my girlfriend and her two daughters ) on an outdoor adventure trip in Moab,UT. I'm an experienced caver but new at climbing especially outdoors. I bought all the equipment including a rope, quickdraws and some traditional climbing gear as recommended by some friends I met at the gym. Any suggestions for beginner routes in Moab?

Sarah Meiser · · Boulder, CO · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 5,094

Are you planning on leading to establish topropes for them or do you want to set up topropes w/out having to lead anything? If you can lead 5.7 sport or 5.5/5.6 trad I would suggest going to the Ice Cream Parlor. Great beginner area right outside Moab.

Tim M · · none · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 293

Check out the school room slabs on Potash Road.

€ $t0& 960 €® · · Colorado · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 55

I am comfortable leading 5.10 at the gym and would like to try leading outside sport or traditional climbing. I'm in great shape and know rope management techniques from my caving experience. I saw pictures of some rock formations near the Arches National Park and would like to lead climb them. We are going for 2 weeks. Finances are not an issue so if somebody can recommend a guiding service in that area I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your feedback.

Robert Buswold · · Northglenn, CO · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 80

Sounds like you should definitely get a guide-service. If you inquire at Pagan Mountaineering they could probably hook you up with some good info: climbmoab.com

Warren Scott · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 10
Mitch Zimmerman wrote:I am comfortable leading 5.10 at the gym and would like to try leading outside sport or traditional climbing. I'm in great shape and know rope management techniques from my caving experience. I saw pictures of some rock formations near the Arches National Park and would like to lead climb them. We are going for 2 weeks. Finances are not an issue so if somebody can recommend a guiding service in that area I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your feedback.
Call Moab Desert Adventures. They'll hook you up for sure.
Gee Monet · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 732

Since finances are not an issue, I would most certainly go with the guiding service for a few reasons.

One, you are bringing the girlfriend and her two daughters. It is one thing to gamble with your life, but don't do it with others unless you are very competent with outdoor climbing.

Two, you said you are new to climbing outdoors. Let the professional guiding service handle all the safety concerns.

Enjoy, I'm sure you'll have a blast no matter what you end up doing. Be safe.

JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115

+1 for hiring a guide service. Moab is not the most beginner friendly climbing area. There isn't much easy climbing, rock quality is variable, etc. There are pockets of climbing that is beginner friendly, but I still wouldn't recommend jumping in head-first if your only previous leading has been in the gym.

A professional guide will be able to lead you to the best areas for what you want, help you get the most out of your trip, and help you learn how to do things safely on your own in the future. If you can afford it, hiring a guide will be a good decision.

There are several reputable guide services in Moab; all are good.

ddriver · · SLC · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 2,084
Jon Moen wrote:Moab is not the most beginner friendly climbing area.
I'm doubling down on this statement.
Bob Dobalina · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 140
Jon Moen wrote: Moab is not the most beginner friendly climbing area. There isn't much easy climbing, rock quality is variable, etc. There are pockets of climbing that is beginner friendly, but I still wouldn't recommend jumping in head-first if your only previous leading has been in the gym.
^^^WORDS OF TRUTH!! Also, climbing anywhere in the Arches Nat'l Park is for experts only. (with the exception of owl rock)
ben jammin · · Moab, UT · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 852

Check out windgateadventures.com/

Eric is a great guy and a great guide.

Elena Sera Jose · · colorado · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 350

My friends and I went to Moab last year and had a blast. I got to trad for the first time with borrowed rack at Icecream parlor. This year I get a free ride to the Creek! Does anybody know beginner friendly areas there?
P.S. I don't think you need a guide.

doligo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 264

+1 for hiring a guide. Try Cliffs and Canyons. They have AMGA accredited guides if you care about stuff like that...

€ $t0& 960 €® · · Colorado · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 55

Thank you everybody for your input. My girls are excited! I will definitely check our the guiding services you recommended. Climb safe!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

General Climbing
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