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Buckhorn Wash Climbing
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| Elevation: | 5,517 ft | 1,682 m |
| GPS: |
39.15975, -110.72891 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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| Page Views: | 197,068 total · 2,652/month | |
| Shared By: | Jason Stevens on Apr 6, 2019 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Perin Blanchard, GRK, David Crane |
Description
Buckhorn Draw is divided into two distinct areas:
UPPER BUCKHORN WASH is all of the climbing ABOVE or UP-CANYON from the petroglyph panel.
LOWER BUCKHORN WASH is all of the climbing BELOW or DOWN-CANYON from the petroglyph panel.
Buckhorn Wash is a spectacular but relatively unknown climbing area, at least in contrast to Moab and Indian Creek. The climbing is entirely on sandstone. The canyon is deep and long enough that several sandstone classes are represented.
"As you enter the Swell from the northwest, you follow geologic history back in time. From youngest to oldest, the strata include mostly sandstones of the Carmel Formation, Navajo Sandstone, Kayenta Formation, Wingate Sandstone, Chinle Formation, and Moenkopi Formation, which were formed in a variety of depositional environments (rivers, deserts, and shallow seas)." Utah Geological Survey
Most routes follow crack systems and are "traditional" in nature, requiring gear placements. In recent yers sport routes have begun to show in on the faces that provide enough features.
UPPER BUCKHORN WASH is all of the climbing ABOVE or UP-CANYON from the petroglyph panel.
LOWER BUCKHORN WASH is all of the climbing BELOW or DOWN-CANYON from the petroglyph panel.
Buckhorn Wash is a spectacular but relatively unknown climbing area, at least in contrast to Moab and Indian Creek. The climbing is entirely on sandstone. The canyon is deep and long enough that several sandstone classes are represented.
"As you enter the Swell from the northwest, you follow geologic history back in time. From youngest to oldest, the strata include mostly sandstones of the Carmel Formation, Navajo Sandstone, Kayenta Formation, Wingate Sandstone, Chinle Formation, and Moenkopi Formation, which were formed in a variety of depositional environments (rivers, deserts, and shallow seas)." Utah Geological Survey
Most routes follow crack systems and are "traditional" in nature, requiring gear placements. In recent yers sport routes have begun to show in on the faces that provide enough features.
Getting There
From the North or West: A few miles north of Castle Dale town on State Route 10 take the Green River Cutoff Road (EM401) or "San Rafael Recreation Access Road" east. Drive 15 miles, then turn right onto EM332 or the Buckhorn Wash Road. About .5 miles down this road you'll cross a cattle guard, cliffs will shortly appear and you'll begin to descend into the canyon.
From the East or Interstate 70: On 170 take the Temple Mountain Exit (Exit 131). On the north side of the interstate follow EM332 east. It parallels the interstate for about two miles then veers north, then north west. The bridge that crosses the San Rafael River at the mouth of Buckhorn Wash is 19 miles from the exit.
Classic Climbing Routes at Buckhorn Wash
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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