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Elevation: 5,070 ft
GPS: 38.1952, -109.5396
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 47,410 total · 323/month
Shared By: Dennis Horning on Feb 22, 2012 · Updates
Admins: slim, Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C
Warning Access Issue: RAIN, WET ROCK and RAPTOR CLOSURES: The sandstone around Moab is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Also please ask and be aware of Raptor Closures in areas such as CAT WALL and RESERVOIR WALL in Indian Creek DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Harts Draw; AKA: Little Italy Canyon is the major canyon lying between Indian Creek Canyon and Highway 191. The climbing is classic Wingate Sandstone. Hart Draw is public-owned land managed by the BLM.

In 1859, Harts Draw was first accessed by contemporary humans as the route Captain Macomb took to discover the area that is now Canyonlands National Park. Petroglyphs in the area indicate the region was known before this “discovery”. In 1881, the Native Americans of the Pinhook Creek Massacre, who were fleeing a posse of ranchers, used Harts Draw on their route prior to sneaking up and dispatching their pursuers. Since then, the area has been utilized for livestock grazing, uranium mining, and recreation.

Harts Draw has been part of the battleground between resource developers and wildlife conservationists. Multiple attempts were made to establish large national parks that would have incorporated Harts Draw, but the 1964 legislation creating Canyonlands National Park did not extend to the area. In the 1980’s, Hart Draw was identified as a railroad route for a proposed nuclear waste dump, which was ultimately rejected. The prospecting roads of the area have been minimized, but off-road vehicles still frequent the area. The numerous side canyons of Hart Draw offer exploration, wet riparian habitats, and even a few arches.

Safety: Safety Trumps Leaving No Trace in this Area. You will find hangers on bolts.

Getting There Suggest change

Take the 2-track opposite the entrance to the Super Bowl campsite north and eastward into the mouth of Hart Draw for 10 miles preferably using a 4WD of some clearance. There are only 2 sometimes serious crossings and these are on the 2 big side streams. Many times I did not put the Ford F150 into 4WD coming or going. Only once did I get stuck with 4WD capabilities. That was in the 2nd steep dirt ravine. Scarpelli drove his little 2WD PU in many times at a fast clip in some places. He also got several pulls outs from us.

I suggest that you bring a shovel, a pick and a bar. Sometimes you have to work on the road after a good wash stimulating rain.

40 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Harts Draw

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b A0
 5
The Infarction
Trad, Aid 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
The Infarction Bobbys Hole Canyon
 5
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b A0 Trad, Aid 3 pitches
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