Vernal is somewhat like a little brother of Moab's. The surrounding area is filled with mazes of sandstone walls and towers poking up here and there. Instead of the La Sal Mountains, the Unita Mountains make the back drop of the area. The Green and the Yampa Rivers flow nearby eventually converging.
In the area there is good mountain biking, the Green and Yampa Rivers are popular for white water rafting and kayaking, and of course there's a lot of rock for climbing. However, most of the rock isn't of the best quality, desert adventure climbing could be a good way to describe it.
The only routes that I am aware of, are the few that are in Bjornstad's Desert Rock IV. Most of these were put up by Jim Detterline in the 80's, this means many of the anchors are over 2 decades old in very soft rock...
All of the climbing I've done in the area, felt like no one has even climbed the route since the FA, so as far as other climbers hogging the routes, well, that's not an issue at all. Expect seclusion, loose rock, missing anchors, tons of opportunities for new routes and adventure!
Getting There
From Salt Lake take I-80 E to 40. Head east on 40 for a little over 2 hours and your in Vernal.
Vernal area
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