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| Elevation: | 6,345 ft | 1,934 m |
| GPS: |
39.2765, -111.17387 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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| Page Views: | 1,834,182 total · 7,892/month | |
| Shared By: | Peter Franzen on Oct 30, 2006 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Aeon Aki, Perin Blanchard, GRK, David Crane, Nathan Fisher |
Access Issue: Don't climb on wet rock!
Details
Don't climb on wet rock! Sandstone is a porous rock type that can absorb a lot of water. It can lose up to 75% of its strength while wet, making it easy to snap off holds and irreparably damage classic climbs. Wait 48 to 72hrs after precipitation. If the ground is still damp then the rock is still wet. A great way to check for precipitation history before traveling to Joe's is to go to this site-
climate.usu.edu/mchd/dashbo…
and under "Data Charts" click the "Precipitation" tab. Make sure the surface wetness is 0 before climbing.
Description
Joe's Valley is one of the world's premier bouldering destinations. The sandstone boulders that line the hillsides are seemingly made for climbing: the rock is textured but skin-friendly, it's featured yet strong, and the landings are generally fantastic. Approaches are almost all 5 minutes or less, and many of the most popular boulders are just a stone's throw from the car.
There are hundreds of established boulder problems at the various areas within Joe's Valley, and yet a quick glance at the innumerable boulders farther up the hills hint at even more untapped potetntial for world-class bouldering.
While there are problems of every grade at Joe's, it is my impression that the best experience will be had at V4 and above.
Getting There
Joe's Valley is just outside of the town of Orangeville, UT. Take Hwy. 29 west out of Orangeville. Shortly after leaving town you can either take a right onto Route 57 to go to New Joe's, or you can keep going straight until the road branches into the Left and Right forks.
Driving time is around 2 hours from SLC, 6-7 hours from the Front Range in Colorado, 14 from Portland, etc.
Food and Supplies
There are a handful of stores in Orangeville. Food Ranch (reopened as of August 2020) is in Orangeville proper, and the next nearest grocery store is Stewart's in Castle Dale. Also, as of 2017 If you are looking for coffee and WiFi the best place to go is Cup Of Joe's. Located right around the corner from the Food Ranch this small coffee shop is a great place to get amazing hot or cold drinks. Cup Of Joe's will also AirDrop you a PDF copy of the Isaac Caldiero Joe's Valley guidebook, or rent out crash pads if you need them. The proprietor has converted a space in their house into a quaint little coffee shop with tables, couches and good high speed internet.
Camping
There are 4 main areas that are well-suited for camping at Joe's. Two are in the Right Fork at .9 miles up and 2.4 miles up (the first being at the Man Size area, the second at the Boux area). The third campground is 1.2 miles up the Left Fork. And finally, the fourth campground is at New Joe's, about 10 minutes up Route 57 on the right side. You can usually see the vault toilets from the road.
Bathrooms and coin operated showers have been installed in Orangeville Park, across the street from Cup of Joe's. Permanent bathrooms also available in left fork at the Halloween town parking area (kayak pullout) and New Joe's just past the info kiosk.
Classic Climbing Routes at Joe's Valley
Weather Averages
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