Castleton Tower Rock Climbing

Register for camping here: REGISTRATION LINK

Utah Open Lands owns the land at the base of Castleton Tower where the historical primitive camping area exists. This land has been protected for its wildlife, ecological, and scenic value in addition to its recreational value.

Use of this camping area has increased dramatically in recent years. Historically, no fee was required for camping or day-use of this area. This area has been maintained as a fee-free area in the face of increased use and the conversion of the surrounding areas to no-camping or fee-only camping.

Utah Open Lands has no intention at this time of charging a fee. Due to high levels of use, however, certain requirements have become advisable. You can find these requirements on the Utah Open Lands website (www.utahopenlands.org). Best practices are:

• Use the pit toilet or a wag bag. Never poop in the desert because fecal matter does not decompose well in arid environments. Burying your waste isn’t good enough. Walk to the pit toilet and use it. Wait in line if you have to. Also, clean up behind your pets.
• There is only ONE designated camping area on the Preserve. Camp only in designated campsites. Do not trample plants or put up your tent on the soil crust.
• Park only in designated parking. There is only one road on the Preserve that leads directly to the designated camping area. Changes are coming this fall -- look for signs indicating overnight parking and day-use parking only. Fencing will be installed along the shoulder of the road; please do not park on the shoulder.
• No fires. EVER. Thank you.

Donations cover all costs for maintaining the area. Donations of all sizes are appreciated.

Beginning October 1, 2010, campers will be required to register to camp on the Property. There will be no cost for registering at this time. You'll be able to register at the Utah Open Lands website. Past experience has shown that almost all campers use the area respectfully and appropriately. Help us maintain this tradition by taking personal responsibility for the care of this protected area.

Thank you. Please contact Utah Open Lands with any questions or comments.

• It is important to stay on the trail. Our trails are surrounded by living soil called Biocrust. Off-trail travel damages the deserts delicate ecosystem for decades after. Find out more about our soil from local non-profit: sciencemoab.org/radio/
• Portable toilet systems are required in Grand County. Be prepared to carry human waste out on the trail. Human waste takes over a year to decompose in the desert. This keeps it clean for everyone after you. Buy one at any of our local gear shops before your visit.
• Temperatures can easily reach upwards of 100 degrees. Exposure to the sun is extreme. Always travel with enough water and electrolytes for the length of your outing and the temperature of the season. It is important to have more water than you might expect.
• Always let someone know where you are and when you expect to be back. Cell service is limited. Always stay found. If lost, stay where you are. Wandering makes it difficult for Search and Rescue to find you.
• Recreate within your limits. There are few access points for Search and Rescue. It will take Search and Rescue time to get to injured individuals on the trail.