Heart Rock 

Description 

Heart Rock is the massive and iconic arete that can be seen on the north side of the canyon near where the rock turns from sandstone to conglomerate. It can be easily recognized by the heart shape of the upper arete. It stands 300 feet tall from the toe of the lower arete to the summit.

In the heyday of Maple’s youth, when the Provo hardmen were on the prowl for new routes, the legendary Tim Hannig drilled a chain anchor atop the Heart’s prow and rappelled down the overhang to scope what would certainly have been the proudest, airiest, most badass line in Maple–then or now. The details of his scouting mission are patchy, but we know that for whatever reason Hannig decided to bail. Jason Stevens and perhaps a few others rapped down and scouted various lines on the formation but its first ascent by a technical route did not come until 2012, with Tachycardia.

Getting There 

Park at the obvious pullout/camping spot directly below Heart Rock (200 yards below Anti-Gravity Rock). Cross the streambed and cut immediately right, skirting a large boulder, until you come to a drainage. There is an ammo can containing a geocache here, and if you find this cache you know you’re in the right spot. Work up this drainage, east of Heart Rock, until you are nearly level with the base of the Rock’s toe. Bushwhack up 50 yards or so until you are at the base.

The Classics

Featured Route For Heart Rock

Tachycardia 5.8  UT : Maple Canyon : ... : Heart Rock

Tachycardia ascends the most obvious weaknesses in the south face and headwall of Heart Rock. With the brief exception of the crux sequence, it stays on vertical and less-than vertical terrain for its entirety. The route is a multi-pitch adventure offering some of the most breathtaking exposure that can be had for the grade in Maple. Pitch 1 (Vena Cava): Climb directly up the toe of Heart Rock through great jugs and big cobbles. Belay at a sloping ledge with two bolts. 30 meters, 5.5.Pi...[more]   Browse More Classics in UT