If you come to Comb Ridge you can expect some bad roads. You should not expect to see people. Instead, from the cottonwoods along the stream to the protected alcoves of the ridge itself you get a sense of why Utes and their ancestors called this place home. The late Triassic Wingate sandstone seems to fracture in a way that keeps the climbs here scattered.This fits perfectly with the appeal of this areas isolated expanse. The Moki steps which the areas former residents carved into the sweeping walls are especially appealing to climbers. A brilliant protective measure to avoid attack, could this be an example of an early Aid ascent? Impressive engineering and very powerful to view up close and in person. As you explore, please be respectful of the peckings,petroglyphs,ruins,and artifacts that depict the history of this sweet spot. Please leave no trace, and if needed pick up after the stupid and ignorant.
Getting There
From US 191 at Bluff travel 4 miles south of town to US 163. Comb ridge will be apparent at 8 miles and in another half mile turn north onto county road 235.(Between mile marker 37 and 38.)This is a dirt desert road, enjoy. Expect typical desert talus cone approaches for the climbs.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Comb Ridge:
This climb starts up a ramp and moves into a large left facing corner. Expect to climb face,stem,and lieback. It was reported that the first ascent team went to the summit and left a register. I was unable to locate it. The rap down from the anchors will drop you right over top of some really cool Moki Steps....[more]Browse More Classics in UT
The Anasazi which in Dineh means "enemy ancestors" or "ancient people who are not with us" likely left this area at the end of the 13th century. The word Moki(Moqui) is from the Hopi peoples.They refer to their ancient ancestors in this manner which means simply "the dead".
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