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The Hitch Hiker's Thumb
5.11 YDS 6c+ French 23 Ewbanks VIII- UIAA 23 ZA E4 5c British A0
Avg: 3 from 3
votes
Routes in Critic's Choice
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(Brutus of) Wyde Choice T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a X |
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Acronymph T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Barley Route T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b |
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BBC from Cleveland (Big Bold Climbers) T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c |
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Belly Full of Bad Berries T 5.13a 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E6 6c |
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Blue Square T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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Break a Leg T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Bunny Slope T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a |
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Critic's Choice T 5.12 7b+ 27 VIII+ 26 E6 6b |
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Critical Mass T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Cult Classic T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b |
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Ed's World T 5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a |
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Ed's World (Left Variation) T,TR 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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Fingerling T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c |
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Fist of Fury T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Fisticuffs T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b |
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Hitch Hiker's Thumb, The T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c A0 |
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Just Because T 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a |
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Knees without honor T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b |
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Life.... T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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Mr. Bad News T 5.13- 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c |
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Mr. Critical T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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New Life or Second Life T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Pinch It T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a |
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Refractory Period T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b |
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Ruby Flame T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Sabrina T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a |
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Second Choice T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Sgt. Fish Scale T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Short and Stout T 5.9- 5c 17 VI 16 HVS 4c |
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Sugar Plum T 5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c |
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Thin and Tipsy T 5.12+ 7c 28 IX 27 E6 6b |
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Tom's Thumb T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c |
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Uncut T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c |
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Unknown T 5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a |
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Unknown T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b |
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Unknown Chimney S,TR 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R |
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Unknown Wide Corner Route T 5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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Unnamed 5.10 T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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Unnamed 5.10 Flare T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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Wrench Route T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b |
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| Type: | Trad, Aid, 125 ft (38 m), 2 pitches, Grade II |
| FA: | Pat Kingsbury, Trevor Bowman, Neil Kauffman, Kyler Pallister 11/10/08 |
| Page Views: | 2,309 total · 12/month |
| Shared By: | Trevor Bowman on Dec 1, 2008 |
| Admins: | slim, Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C |
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Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Access Issue: 2024 Raptor Avoidance Areas! Limited Toilet Facilities!
Details
Limited toilet/port a potty facilities: Have poop plan! Visit: facebook.com/friendsofindia…
saltlakeclimbers.org/news/2…
2023 Raptor Avoidance Areas- The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, and Reservoir Wall. See map in photos section.
Each spring raptors return to the Indian Creek area for nesting. Eagles, falcons, hawks, and other migratory birds use shallow depressions on ledges, cliffs and rock walls to build nests, often returning to the same site year after year to raise their young. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requests that visitors and recreationists avoid these areas during critical nesting periods which typically start in early March and last through late August. Avoiding recreational activity in the vicinity of the nest sites along and maintaining a safe viewing distance will help ensure survival of young birds.
Beginning March 1, the public is asked to avoid climbing in areas that are historically known to have raptor nesting activity or have a high potential for nesting. Areas that have potential nesting activity are referred to in many climbing guidebooks as: The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, Reservoir Wall and Critic’s Choice. While this list serves as a guide, it does not indicate every avoidance area or encompass all known names of the affected climbing areas. Please refer to the provided “Raptor Protection Map” to identify avoidance areas. The BLM is coordinating these raptor protection efforts with the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, who is the administrator of the climbing areas known as Disappointment Cliffs and portions of the Second Meat Wall climbing area. The avoidance areas only cover a portion of Disappointment Cliffs, see the map for additional details.
In March, BLM biologists will begin the annual surveys of raptor activity to verify which historic nest sites are being used. Typically, by late April or early May, biologists can identify the nesting areas the raptors have selected. At that time the areas without active nests will be cleared for recreational use. The BLM requests that climbers, campers, and hikers completely avoid areas with active nests until the young birds have fledged, which is usually by late summer. Biologists will monitor nesting activity throughout the season and keep the recreation community informed of potential changes. Avoidance area notices and maps will be posted throughout the Indian Creek Corridor during the recreation season.
While falcons and eagles are not overly common sights in southeastern Utah, they are present throughout the area and keen-eyed observers are sometimes rewarded with their aerial acrobatics. Visitors can watch adult birds hunt or observe the antics of young raptors perfecting their flying techniques. These species in Utah continue to recover from low population levels, thanks in part to cooperation from the public, climbing communities and governmental partners. The BLM would like to remind the public there are private land holdings throughout the Indian Creek Corridor. Please respect private landowners’ boundaries and signage.
For questions about this avoidance areas, raptors, and migratory bird habitat in the Monticello area, please contact Rachel Wootton with the BLM Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1500. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY) may call 711 to leave a message or question. The TTY Relay System is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
blm.gov/announcement/blm-an…
saltlakeclimbers.org/news/2…
2023 Raptor Avoidance Areas- The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, and Reservoir Wall. See map in photos section.
Each spring raptors return to the Indian Creek area for nesting. Eagles, falcons, hawks, and other migratory birds use shallow depressions on ledges, cliffs and rock walls to build nests, often returning to the same site year after year to raise their young. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requests that visitors and recreationists avoid these areas during critical nesting periods which typically start in early March and last through late August. Avoiding recreational activity in the vicinity of the nest sites along and maintaining a safe viewing distance will help ensure survival of young birds.
Beginning March 1, the public is asked to avoid climbing in areas that are historically known to have raptor nesting activity or have a high potential for nesting. Areas that have potential nesting activity are referred to in many climbing guidebooks as: The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, Reservoir Wall and Critic’s Choice. While this list serves as a guide, it does not indicate every avoidance area or encompass all known names of the affected climbing areas. Please refer to the provided “Raptor Protection Map” to identify avoidance areas. The BLM is coordinating these raptor protection efforts with the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, who is the administrator of the climbing areas known as Disappointment Cliffs and portions of the Second Meat Wall climbing area. The avoidance areas only cover a portion of Disappointment Cliffs, see the map for additional details.
In March, BLM biologists will begin the annual surveys of raptor activity to verify which historic nest sites are being used. Typically, by late April or early May, biologists can identify the nesting areas the raptors have selected. At that time the areas without active nests will be cleared for recreational use. The BLM requests that climbers, campers, and hikers completely avoid areas with active nests until the young birds have fledged, which is usually by late summer. Biologists will monitor nesting activity throughout the season and keep the recreation community informed of potential changes. Avoidance area notices and maps will be posted throughout the Indian Creek Corridor during the recreation season.
While falcons and eagles are not overly common sights in southeastern Utah, they are present throughout the area and keen-eyed observers are sometimes rewarded with their aerial acrobatics. Visitors can watch adult birds hunt or observe the antics of young raptors perfecting their flying techniques. These species in Utah continue to recover from low population levels, thanks in part to cooperation from the public, climbing communities and governmental partners. The BLM would like to remind the public there are private land holdings throughout the Indian Creek Corridor. Please respect private landowners’ boundaries and signage.
For questions about this avoidance areas, raptors, and migratory bird habitat in the Monticello area, please contact Rachel Wootton with the BLM Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1500. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TTY) may call 711 to leave a message or question. The TTY Relay System is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
blm.gov/announcement/blm-an…
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
Details
WET ROCK: Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN MOAB during or after rain.
RAPTOR CLOSURES: please be aware of seasonal raptor closures. They occur annually in the spring.
RAPTOR CLOSURES: please be aware of seasonal raptor closures. They occur annually in the spring.
Description
An excellent offwidth route up an aesthetic tower! Start on the downhill face, up the obvious offwidth in a left-facing dihedral which pierces the entire tower and separates the main pinnacle from the flying buttress to the left. There's a plaque beneath the route, and a summit register wedged into the loose summit blocks.
The name comes from the profile of the tower, which is thumb-like from most directions, but especially so when viewed from directly downhill with the flying buttress as the fist and the summit pinnacle as the thumb.
P1- Starts out with new #5 camalots and gradually widens to sustained squeeze (wider than tipped out #6 friend) by the top. The rock is great, with just a bit of sandy stuff as you pull over onto the belay ledge. There are two bulges, the lower being the crux and is conveniently laybacked around. A really nice pitch, even for those who aren't OW gurus. Good belay ledge. 5.11 90'
P2- A 6 bolt ladder to the three bolt summit anchor, which is a bit below the actual summit due to rock quality. The bolts are well-spaced, so aiders are nice to have. The true topout requires carefully scrambling atop some loose blocks, a bit unnerving at first glance, but we successfully perched four guys up there without mishap. A0 25'
The name comes from the profile of the tower, which is thumb-like from most directions, but especially so when viewed from directly downhill with the flying buttress as the fist and the summit pinnacle as the thumb.
P1- Starts out with new #5 camalots and gradually widens to sustained squeeze (wider than tipped out #6 friend) by the top. The rock is great, with just a bit of sandy stuff as you pull over onto the belay ledge. There are two bulges, the lower being the crux and is conveniently laybacked around. A really nice pitch, even for those who aren't OW gurus. Good belay ledge. 5.11 90'
P2- A 6 bolt ladder to the three bolt summit anchor, which is a bit below the actual summit due to rock quality. The bolts are well-spaced, so aiders are nice to have. The true topout requires carefully scrambling atop some loose blocks, a bit unnerving at first glance, but we successfully perched four guys up there without mishap. A0 25'
Location
The tower is found in the back recesses of the canyon between Critics Choice and the Prow. It's not really a part of Critics Choice, but that's the closest area.
Drive 4.8 miles up Beef Basin road from the junction with 211 (at the toilet) and turn right on a two-track. Follow this for about 1/2 mile (passable for most vehicles) until it deteriorates into a wash. Hike up the road for another 1/2 mile or so and then cut over to the hillside following washes. Slog uphill in a defined wash that has some shitrock hoodoos on the left. This should put you beneath the Thumb after about 45 minutes to an hour.
The tower is hidden against the adjacent cliff, and is very hard to discern until you're up beneath it on the approach. The route lies on the downhill face of the tower and ascends the splitter OW in a left-facing corner with a plaque beneath it.
Drive 4.8 miles up Beef Basin road from the junction with 211 (at the toilet) and turn right on a two-track. Follow this for about 1/2 mile (passable for most vehicles) until it deteriorates into a wash. Hike up the road for another 1/2 mile or so and then cut over to the hillside following washes. Slog uphill in a defined wash that has some shitrock hoodoos on the left. This should put you beneath the Thumb after about 45 minutes to an hour.
The tower is hidden against the adjacent cliff, and is very hard to discern until you're up beneath it on the approach. The route lies on the downhill face of the tower and ascends the splitter OW in a left-facing corner with a plaque beneath it.
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