no, the biggest problem would be that you'd have to find the time to climb exotic towers like it was your job.

So where is the problem? Brad and i were assuming as i said that you didn't have to work and could climb full time. Money and time are not issues.

Ah, so where is this place, this Wonderland?

Welcome to Fantasy Island!!

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This is a tower

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This is also a tower

These are from one of my favorite places on the planet and I get back every year. Close to but not Dresden. Hubra Skala Czech Republic. Better beer than Germany.

Dear Desert Tower Committee,

Is the Kitten at the Cat Wall in Indian Creek worthy of tower status? Although the cliffs make it look really really small, it is only accessible by 5.11 climbing (at least 5.8 w/ aid).

I agree with Ben that Zion doesn't count...too far away and far removed from the Colorado Plateau drainage...the river nearby is the Virgin River, fer Chris'sake! If that counts, I'm counting Needle Rock in Telluride!

Also, sorry to bring this up...but for a true summit of a tower, don't you have to stand up on the summit? No one (with a conscience) could count Ancient Art if they didn't, right... Uh oh...are we sure about the tower count NOW?

Don't take me too seriously; my opinion doesn't count since I'm under 20 in the count. Waiting to hear back for the Kitten!

Allen, you a DP or an AC??

Thanksgiving weekend Maura and I did the first ascent of Winter Moon Tower which was my 100th. Although I count any worthy Colorado Plateau summit which requires 5th class climbing to reach the summit. I count Towers, Hoodoos, Spires, and Buttes. So I guess I haven't climbed 100 desert towers, but 100 Desert Hoodoos, Spires, Buttes and Towers. I have always counted that way, and it has been a goal only for myself so I am happy with it. Winter Moon Tower by the way is a great clean aid route on a really nice tower with one of the better summits I have ever been on, so I was really excited about it.

Nice work Ben!

Congratulations on making 100!!!

Anyone who climbs 100 towers (by any definition) in the Desert deserves a tip of the cap, IMHO. I'll bet quite a few have done this feat, considering how some people really get the bug. Ben, how many years have you been chipping away at the block?

Damn impressive, Ben! Extra style points for all the FA's especially Winter Moon. Are you ready to go skiing yet?

I believe I started rock climbing when I was 15, (about 17 years ago). I'm not sure which tower was my first, but it was either Castleton or South Six Shooter when I was 15 years old. I have been at it on and off, going through spurts, then being more interested in other climbing and non-climbing objectives. I was pretty motivated this fall though and pretty much went for it. This fall Maura and I climbed 14 towers, 9 of those were firsts ascents. Thanks to a lot of perfect weather, and a very patient partner. It was never about the number of towers (although I did think about it the closer I got), but I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing on my weekends than being down in the desert, out of the city and exploring unclimbed rock.

Nice work Ben!

I am interesting in finding out how many of us have climbed 100+ towers. At this time I think my count stands around 120-125, depending on the criteria used. As for me, I completed this feet about 6 years ago. I think it took about 6-8 years. However, there were a couple of years in the mid 90's when I climbed at least 30 a year. Knowing what a great deal of effort, and the climbing of some very poor quality routes this takes, I tip my hat to all who have suffered their way into this fraternity. Also, I would be happy to share beta with anyone who is interested in climbing any of the really obscure towers I have visited.

Stu

I was wondering if you desert hardmen/hardwomen could help start a list of how many towers are jump-able.

I hope Hank and Wayne could chime in for their totals as well.

140 feet or taller and vertical is about all I need.

Thanks for any replies!

How much did that jump set up you're using cost you?

skydiving instruction= $1,200
skydiving rig= $2,500
various skydiving components (altimeter, helmet, etc.)= $500
250 skydives at $20/dive= $5,000
Phoenix-Fly Ghost Wingsuit= $1,200
B.A.S.E instruction= $1,200
Blackjack 260 sq. ft. canopy= $1,900
Gargoyle container= $700
42" zero-p pilot chute= $50


total=$14,250

I can tell you with certainty that the Oracle, in the Fisher Towers can be jumped. Robin "Black Death" Hyde jumared up the lines Rob Slater and I fixed on it and jumped, landing about 100ft. from the base of the Titan. I actually have a copy of the edited video we made that day. It still freaks me out to watch it!

Cheers...Stu

cool!

I was wondering if Echo and Cottontail would go. The Titan, Kingfisher and Ancient Art go for sure.

How many towers are in the Mystery Towers?

There are a lot that are over 140. Here are some of the cooler ones that you can find in the books:
Echo, Cottontail, The Titan, and The Kingfisher.
Castleton and Crooked Arrow.
Moses. Mosnter. Standing Rock.
Tower of Babel, Three Gossips, The Organ
Most of the WIngate Towers are over 140.

Thats not very high... There are single pitch routes at the creek that are well over that in length.

Monster Tower, Standing Rock, Washer Woman, most of the Fishers, Dolomite, many in arches, but if you are looking for stuff outside of the super regulated National Parks... Bottleneck Peak in the Swell which has numerous great routes, Texas Tower down by blanding, the South face is a fantastic route...
This isn't a tower, but Notch Peak in the House range out past Delta would be amazing. Probably at least a 2700 foot jump and if you have high clearance 4wd you can get to within about A 30 minute walk of the top. (If you didn't have high clearance 4wd, I'd drive you up there).
Hondoo Arch in the Swell, Lots of stuff in Texas and Arch Canyons, etc... etc... etc... Have fun jumping.

I know it's officially "not Kosher", but the Pole would be an awsome jump! It almost seems to move under your feet if you were to have stood on top....