Scrambles near Fisher Towers?
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Friends & family are heading to Moab area to camp in mid April. We'd like to visit the Fisher Towers area. No way we're going to climb them, but are there any fun/scenic/interesting easy to moderate scrambles/hikes in that area with good views of the towers? |
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There is one main trail system that winds through the towers. Never been to the end, but I think it goes for at least 3 miles one way. Easy trail with awesome views. |
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You can also hike in Onion Creek. Same Cutler formations as the Fisher Towers, but more canyon-like and without the huge towers. The hike offers some shallow creek splashing, amazing canyon walls that occasionally narrow into slots, and good opportunities to explore. Great for kids. To get there, just drive down the Onion Creek Road (it's the next turn-off south of the Fisher Towers road on HWY 128, and is signed for Onion Creek), and follow the good dirt road, crossing the creek a bunch of times. This is usually fine even in a low clearance 2WD. Park when the canyon starts deepening and getting interesting, and just hike up the creekbed and explore. Bring sandals or water shoes. You'll want warm weather for this hike, since it's mostly shady and your feet will get wet. |
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The approach hike to the mystery towers is really worth doing - its an interesting scramble in the area Alexander was recommending. Doric Column has some details. |
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Quick question, since our trip is this coming weekend, but what is C1? I know it means clean-aid or something like that, but does that mean there are pre-placed-pitons (say that three-times fast!) and I would clip them with QD's like bolts on a sport route? |
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J. Fox wrote:Quick question, since our trip is this coming weekend, but what is C1? I know it means clean-aid or something like that, but does that mean there are pre-placed-pitons (say that three-times fast!) and I would clip them with QD's like bolts on a sport route? I know jack-squat about aid and don't have any aid gear. I was just looking for 5.7 and lesser climbs in the area (I suck) and found a 5.7/C1 that looked fun...but I don't wanna die! Thanks much!No. Do not do anything that is C1 and expect to just pull on draws You can do ancient art at 5.8 C0 (pulling on draws), but it would bea big deal for a 5.8 leader |
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The hike in Onion Creek does give some cool and unusual views of the towers, but I thought it was kind of mediocre as a slot canyon. |
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I think Ancient Art would be fine for a five eight leader. Freeing that first bolt ladder is a blast though! Cobbles! |
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A little info on the Fiery Furnace |
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Ancient Art would not be fine for a 5.8 climber - the corkscrew kinda sorta goes at 5.8 C0, but it isn't a very good pitch to be at your limit on. The rest of it, sure. |
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Thanks guys, duly noted. |
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Haven't done this route before but heard it's a fun scramble and also fairly close to the fishers. |