Where To Go Rock Climbing In Moab, Utah

Most Famous Rock Climbing Destinations in Utah.

Moab, Utah, is one of the world’s most famous rock climbing destinations. With seemingly countless options of monumental sandstone towers rising into the sky from the desert floor, the surreal landscape calls out to everyone with a desire for a climbing adventure. Ranging from the easiest to the most difficult, Moab desert towers offer many climbing routes for novices and seasoned climbers alike.

Where To Go Rock Climbing In Moab

Many great rock climbing routes in Moab are just a few steps off of the primary road and can be completed in a half-day or less. Others require walking into more remote wilderness areas and should be allowed a whole day. Many choose to hire a Utah rock climbing guide and explore the area with a professional. Here are some of the Moab area’s most popular climbing destinations that feature a great variety of difficulty levels.

  1. Fisher Towers/Ancient Art
  2. Indian Creek
  3. Castleton Tower
  4. Looking Glass Arch

Fisher Towers / Ancient Art

The great Fisher Towers offers unique climbing experiences yet at more moderate grades than many other locations that have so much to offer in wondrous vistas. Fisher is the Moab area’s most accessible tower to climb, and at the summit, this tower features the Moab area’s most unusual and satisfying scenes of all. Ancient Art, a four-summit rock tower at Fisher, has one of the most convenient approaches to any great rock for climbing in the entire area. This naturally helps make the location exceptionally popular, so it can be busy. Arrive early to stay out ahead of the crowds.

Height: 350 feet. Difficulty: 5.8+ A0 or 5.10. Days: 1

Learn More: Find out more about Fisher Towers climbing trips

Fisher Towers / Ancient Art Climbing Trips

This is a great option for a scenic climb with a mild approach.

Difficulty: Moderate | 5.8+ A0 or 5.10

Minimum Ages/Weight: 8

Price: Starting at $250

Indian Creek

Surrounding Indian Creek, Utah are majestic cliffs globally known to feature exceptional climbing routes. This uniquely splendorous area for rock climbing near Moab is one of the region’s most popular. The exotic beauty of Indian Creek, in Bears Ears National Monument, offers a deeply inspiring world-famous climbing area featuring Pente, Reservoir Wall, and others. Advanced climbers with particular skills and gear can meet the challenges of this global rock climbing destination. Some of the most legendary routes take up to a dozen of the same size protection! Learn the most challenging crack climbing around from some of the world’s most proficient climbing guides.

Height: 391 feet. Difficulty: 5.5 to 5.13. Days: 1

Learn More: Find out more about Indian Creek rock climbing trips

Indian Creek Climbing Trips

Guided Indian Creeks trips will provide you with the gear and necessary instruction to climb this legendary crack climbing area.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult | 5.9 to 5.13

Minimum Ages/Weight: 8

Price: Starting at $200

Castleton Tower

Climbers come from around the world to ascend the magnificent Castleton Tower. It certainly stands up to its reputation. Climbing at this location is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The North Chimney features crack climbing and multi-pitch, and the North Face offers more advanced (Difficulty 5.11) opportunities. Castleton’s Kor-Ingalls route is recognized as one of North America’s top classic climbs. Castleton Tower can be a busy location, so arrive early to avoid as much congestion as possible.

Height: 400 feet. Difficulty: 5.9+ or 5.11+. Days: 1

Learn More: Find out more about Castleton Tower Climbing trips

Castleton Tower Climbing Trips

Experience moderate level climbing on one of the worlds most famous rock features.

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult | 5.9+ or 5.11+

Minimum Age: 8

Price: Starting at $225

Looking Glass Arch

For an ideal introduction to multi-pitch climbing, Looking Glass Arch offers a 3-pitch bolted route for a convenient ready-made practice course. Added to the thrill of this exhilarating vertical journey, the magnificent views from several hundred feet up are the big payoff for the effort. The climb also features one of the Moab region’s greatest rappelling spots. Of all the climbing routes in the southwestern Utah national parklands, this is one not to be missed.

Height: 400 feet. Difficulty: 5.5. Days: Half

Learn More: Find out more about Looking Glass Arch Climbing trips

Looking Glass Arch Climbing Trips

This three pitch route is the perfect introduction to multi-pitch climbing.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | 5.5

Minimum Ages: 8

Price: Starting at $150

Rock Climbing in Moab – The World’s Best Rocks

The parkland region around Moab is rich in soaring sandstone towers. Options are abundant throughout the area for climbers of all skill levels. Many feature easy to moderate routes. All offer overwhelmingly beautiful vistas from their summits. Whether you’re a first-time climber looking for an afternoon of introductory bouldering or a veteran climber seeking a big wall with bivouacking en route, it’s here at Moab.

Moab Rock Climbing Guide

Red River Adventures is Moab’s only licensed professional Moab rock climbing guide service. We offer both half-day and full-day guided rock climbing experiences. Our guided climbing options offer abundant opportunities for trying various types of climbing, practicing techniques, rappelling, belaying, and more.

Reserve your half- or full-day of climbing with our AMGA-certified Instructors. We provide all the equipment, but you are welcome to use your own if you prefer, and our guides will provide a safety inspection of your personal climbing gear.

Download PDF

The River People
Post Author
We strive to ensure that time spent with us is time that you will always look back on fondly. We want to leave you with a memories that bring a smile to your face no matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, and no matter how much time has passed. In addition to a deep reservoir of personal experience, our rafting guides are licensed by the state of Utah, have Wilderness First Responder and/or First Aid/CPR certifications, and are insured. Many guides also have swiftwater rescue training. Our climbing and canyoneering guides are AMGA-certified for the terrain in which they operate. Our skiing guides are certified for the terrain, and some are world-renowned for their experience. All of our guides are intimately acquainted with not only the river, rock and snow, but also with the incredible surroundings of the areas we guide.

River Rafting Reviews and Red River Adventure Testimonials!

Fabian Schonholz
google
Fabian Schonholz
April 13, 2026

Excellent course with an excellent instructor

Samuel Macomber
google
Samuel Macomber
April 8, 2026

Red River facilitated a large group avy 1 course and it went great! Thanks for being professional, flexible, and great educators. Fun skiing and good learning.

Tim Gunnin
google
Tim Gunnin
March 28, 2026

Thanks to my climbing guide Kaya we had a wonderful day of climbing at the IceCream Parlor in Moab. Not only does she have excellent rock climbing skills she is an excellent instructor! She is also a caring and just a wonderful person to have conversation with. She was able to advise me on different areas to hike and MTB. I couldn’t have asked for a better day! I would highly recommend Red River!!!

Harrison Tuit
google
Harrison Tuit
March 21, 2026

Had a fantastic two days of introductory ski touring with Tim. He and Carl dealt with the sub-optimal warm conditions as well as they, and catered for our skill level perfectly. Price was reasonable and experience was great. Would book again!

Deb Kemper
google
Deb Kemper
March 21, 2026

Just completed our second booking with Red River Adventures. Carl, the owner, is always great at finding the perfect guide for our needs. He arranged a special training course for us and John, our guide and trainer, was fantastic. He helped us get comfortable using the necessary safety tools and equipment for the backcountry. He had a great teaching style that kept us moving and helped us dial in the learning by letting us do it and learning key adjustments to make in real time.

Rachel Lacek
google
Rachel Lacek
March 21, 2026

Was visiting SLC and really wanted to do a back country tour and wanted to do so safely. They provide gear if needed. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Answered all my questions.

Aaron Scherman
google
Aaron Scherman
March 20, 2026

John was the perfect instructor for our group. He was incredibly knowledgeable and a great instructor. He and Red River are highly recommended!

C Amarnek
google
C Amarnek
March 14, 2026

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time climbing! The guide was amazing - communicated ahead of time, encouraging while climbing, and very personable. I couldn't have asked for anything more of this wonderful adventure!

Chet Vernon
google
Chet Vernon
March 9, 2026

Vic and Ty were fantastic guides and taught me a lot about avalanche safety.

Dave Brown
google
Dave Brown
March 9, 2026

Was out with Ryan Emery for a guided ski day. Ryan was a consummate professional in managing the risks, setting stand out skin routes, and helping us seek out the best turns near Brighton. Recommend wholeheartedly.

Dean Kowalski
google
Dean Kowalski
March 6, 2026

AMAZING experience with our guide, John. Great guy, great day. Highly recommend

Dale Simmons
google
Dale Simmons
March 3, 2026

Garth is a fantastic instructor. The loaner gear was really nice and worked great. Well done Avalanche course.

Hailey Pierce
google
Hailey Pierce
March 3, 2026

Garth was such an amazing instructor and guide! He was very helpful in not only teaching us about avalanche safety, but really showing us all we need to know and testing our knowledge along the way. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the AIARE Level 1 course and am taking away a lot of information, insights, and best practices away. Thank you, Garth!

Sophie Rockefeller
google
Sophie Rockefeller
February 26, 2026

The AIARE 1 course was top notch! My instructor Sierra Bishop was super knowledgable and passionate about avalanche education. She taught the concepts in a way that was easy to understand and fun to learn. Sierra took care to support each individual's learning and created a group dynamic that was welcoming for beginners but also challenging for those with more experience. We spent a lot of time discussing different scenarios, and Sierra asked thoughtful questions to get us to consider the risks involved. She also taught a bunch of bonus skills like doing kick turns and making your own repair kit. Overall I gained confidence to ski in the backcountry because I am aware of the risks and how to mitigate them. 10/10 experience. I definitely recommend this course for all skill levels!!

Patrick Dwyer
google
Patrick Dwyer
February 25, 2026

This was my 3rd time touring the Wasatch with John from Red River Adventures, but this time with my 11 year old. John was fantastic as always. I was a bit nervous with a lot of avy activity in the area. But, John assured me we would be safe and we kept to lower angle areas where we were out of avy terrain. The day was great and my son loved it! I can't recommend John and RRA enough!

Christopher Tolman
google
Christopher Tolman
February 23, 2026

Came for a 6 day backcountry ski trip with my son and a friend. The overall experience was amazing. Red River handled every aspect perfectly—from communication about prep, travel etc, to accommodations, dining and of course, completely epic ski guiding. We’ll definitely be coming back.

Josiah Pilskalns
google
Josiah Pilskalns
February 22, 2026

Had an Awesome day climbing with Nate!

michael todorovich
google
michael todorovich
February 18, 2026

John L and Red River never disappoint. Even when conditions are less than ideal, the tours are always memorable with plenty of great terrain.

Sasha Ayloush
google
Sasha Ayloush
February 17, 2026

What a fun adventure! My guide Ty was awesome! Super informative and so positive. I tried split boarding for the first time and loved it. I'm hooked. Red River also made it so easy and brought all the gear I needed.

Thomas Kelleher
google
Thomas Kelleher
February 16, 2026

Victoria and Jeremy were a dream team for running an AIARE 1 course. They were both great teachers with deep knowledge of local terrain and infectious love for the backcountry. Was an incredible learning experience!

Finn Hannah
google
Finn Hannah
February 16, 2026

Jeremy and Victoria were my guides, and they were amazing! Great time lots of learning and lots of laughs. Absolutely awesome weekend highly recommend!

Jeffrey Lewis
google
Jeffrey Lewis
February 16, 2026

Incredible time in Japan. Great expertise and a fun packed schedule with the best snow ever!

Bryan Bassett
google
Bryan Bassett
February 16, 2026

We had an amazing trip for six days of backcountry ski touring with Carl, John, and Mako with Red River Adventures in Hokkaido Japan. The ski touring experience was the best of my life. One glorious untracked powder day after another. It more than filled my expectations. What I did not expect, and got, was also am amazing cultural experience with food and Japanese Onsen culture. It was well beyond anything I had imagined. I of course highly recommend.

Landon Bryan
google
Landon Bryan
February 16, 2026

Great experience. Ryan was a knowledgeable guide that catered the day to the experience we were hoping to have. Absolutely recommend.

Mike Arntz
google
Mike Arntz
February 10, 2026

Terrific guides, great food and amazing snow! Carl and his team have this dialed in and I couldn't imagine doing it without them. They know where to ski, the local places to eat and how to get around.....just an unbelievable experience I highly recommend!

Steven Zettel
google
Steven Zettel
February 9, 2026

I’ve spent my whole life providing outdoor experiences as a guide and this trip blew me away! Awesome trip and operation at all levels.

Jared Hopkinson
google
Jared Hopkinson
February 9, 2026

Red River exceeded all expectations. We took a group of 8 family and friends to Japan and Carl, John and Yuta provided a magical week of amazing snow, fantastic dinners, heavenly Onsen and perfect accommodations. We WILL BE BACK!

GJ O
google
GJ O
February 9, 2026

Great guides, great company, great experience with Red River. Would absolutely go with Red River again!

Hannah Popick
google
Hannah Popick
February 8, 2026

Our ice-climbing guide, Ty, quite literally saved my life! We were trying to get some group pictures on the ice when my foot slipped - I fell and started sliding down the mountain. He quickly positioned himself in front of me and used his body to stop me, and then when I was too petrified to stand back up, he used all of his strength to peel me off of the ground and help me slowly make my way off of the ice (meanwhile my friends were unable to breathe from laughing so hard and thus, completely useless). I will probably end up naming my first born child after him because of this experience. He was extremely dedicated to safety - made sure we were helmeted at all times, gloved prior to handling tools, crampons securely fastened, etc. The night before, I expressed pretty severe concern and fear over the whole experience, and he offered tons of reassurance and was so positive and helpful. We plan on taking a trip to Washington in the summer just so he can guide us on a summer adventure too! Thanks Ty!!!

Greg Hill
google
Greg Hill
February 6, 2026

Intermediate Ice Climbing with Nate. Excellent day on the ice. Completely tailored to my needs. Picked up several technique perils and great discussions. Highly recommended !!

Wayne Millice
google
Wayne Millice
February 2, 2026

Carl and his team absolutely rock! 2nd year in Hokkaido and it was EPIC. Carl and Yuta are fantastic hosts and found us unbelievable snow in some great back country. Again the restaurants were top notch! Already set up for next year! Can’t wait!

Stephen Ottosen
google
Stephen Ottosen
February 2, 2026

Red River adventures did a great job for us! Our guides knew where to go to get fresh tracks every day all day! Our local guide knew all the best restaurants. If you’re going all the way to Japan, you want to have these guys to help you get what you were hoping for!

Celia Jones
google
Celia Jones
February 1, 2026

The best experience! Victoria and Avery were extremely great communicators and leaders while being friendly and approachable. I took a woman’s Avalanche 1 course and felt supported and challenged. The skill level of all the women was pretty varied but they helped us come up with a backcountry ski tour plan that would suite us all and be safe. The first day we skied less than 3 miles with ~500 feet of gain, practiced rescue, and dug a snow pit. The second day we skied 3-4 miles with 2000 feet of gain. (Future groups may do more or less depending skills and conditions) While we skied we stopped to point out snow conditions, terrain issues, and touring techniques. The slower teachable pace had us all pretty cold but we were warned and had plenty of layers! We had crazy wind too, so it felt like 0 degrees out, so we did our debrief at a coffee shop. It was perfect!

Glynnis Stone
google
Glynnis Stone
January 29, 2026

Our group of 7 had an awesome time in Japan with Red River Adventures! The guides were super nice, very knowledgeable and extremely good at what they do. I would highly recommend them for your next trip!

Carolyn Landolfo
google
Carolyn Landolfo
January 29, 2026

Wonderful experience. Very challenging in icy conditions. Our guide was amazing and encouraging on my first time at touring. Follow the checklist. You go from hot to cold in minutes. Prepare for adding layers and taking them away.

Kevin Landolfo
google
Kevin Landolfo
January 28, 2026

We had an amazing ski tour with Ryan! He was very patient and also extremely knowledgeable about snow conditions as well as ski touring. Most importantly, Ryan informed us of safety guidelines and did not deviate (or let us deviate) from them. We would love to ski with Ryan again!

chris tihansky
google
chris tihansky
January 28, 2026

Our group had an excellent trip with Red River Adventures to Hokkaido. Quite a magical experience.

Debby Stein Sharpe
google
Debby Stein Sharpe
January 28, 2026

Carl and team did a great job organizing our backcountry ski adventure in Hokkaido, Japan. They even ordered up a whole mess of snow!

Scott Woller
google
Scott Woller
January 26, 2026

Brian Johnson and Sam Crow of Red River Adventures were exceptional in their professionalism, thoroughness, kindness, and direction during the AIARE 1 weekend training. Beginning on the first evening, they fostered an atmosphere of inquisitiveness and openness on the zoom portion of the learning. Then, in the field, they created a sense of camaraderie and were attentive to each individuals goals/objectives and abilities. They tailored the learning to the individuals taking the course and inquired to assure that attendee’s objectives were met. I would highly recommend Red River Adventures for avalanche education/backcountry experiences.

Jax Marrone
google
Jax Marrone
January 26, 2026

Did a low ratio Aiare 1. Top level instructors covered everything and more. Highly recommend for all splitboarders

Matthew Edgington
google
Matthew Edgington
January 25, 2026

Took an Avy Rescue course with Ben today and it was time well spent. He’s a solid instructor who keeps things moving without overcomplicating the technical side. We spent the day drilling the essentials: signal searches, probing, multi burials, and the most efficient way to move snow during a burial. Ben’s feedback during the timed drills was practical and helped me realize where I was wasting movement. Good course for anyone needing to get their rescue systems dialed.

Gannon Steimle
google
Gannon Steimle
January 21, 2026

John was great and happy to answer all our questions. Great tour and great guide

Tate McPherson
google
Tate McPherson
January 19, 2026

I took my AIARE 1 with red river, it was great the guides were awesome, offered tons of tools and pro tips and obviously answered all the avalanche related questions you could have. When the time comes for me to take AIARE 2 i will definitely book with red river.

Barely Wired
google
Barely Wired
January 12, 2026

I had a wonderful experience. The team has done the homework and has the enthusiasm to enjoy it with you. They handled changes with the expertise and calm of an NFL quarterback. Without a doubt, my ski trip with Red River was everything I hoped it would be.

Brendan Dwyer
google
Brendan Dwyer
January 9, 2026

Did my avy 2 course with John and it was awesome! John was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to approach with questions, and a fun time to be around. Will definitely be returning to Red River for any future classes

Ray Watanabe
google
Ray Watanabe
January 9, 2026

Had a great experience taking my Level 2 Avalanche course. John was very knowledgeable and equally as entertaining. Will be hiring Red River Adventures for all my future guiding needs!

Chris Adams
google
Chris Adams
January 8, 2026

Victoria was amazing and a wealth of knowledge. Kept the trip at our level and gave us the confidence to adventure out. She was a joy to spend the day with. I couldn't recommend a day with her enough.

Britney Ewing
google
Britney Ewing
January 6, 2026

Had an awesome experience with Red River and our guide Victoria. The class taught me skills and awareness and provided the necessary information to safely explore back/side country skiing. Really loved the opportunity to be in an all female class and felt it provided a safe space for expressing challenges and concerns without any pressure.

Trevor Kelsey
google
Trevor Kelsey
January 5, 2026

Perfect course for anyone hoping to build a foundation for understanding, evaluating and safely navigating avalanche terrain. Our instructors, Sierra and Brian, were professional, super welcoming, funny, and all-around awesome ski guides and teachers. Highly recommend!

Victor Heilweil
google
Victor Heilweil
December 31, 2025

The ARC course was excellent. Ryan is a gifted instructor- very clear, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. The day was very well organized, beginning with a basic review of the many nuances and idiosyncrasies of avalanche transceivers, then on to solo avalanche rescue, and finally group rescues of multiple burials. This is a must-have course - a great annual refresher for the more experienced backcountry skiers in our group and a perfect introduction for those newer to the sport.