Vernal Area  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  40.4595, -109.5378 Map Page Views:  8,192. Good page?    Administrators:  Andrew Gram, Perin Blanchard, grk10vq, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Paul S on Oct 3, 2008 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed 73° | 43° 68° | 45° 70° | 45° 79° | 46° 84° | 55°

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Description 

Vernal is somewhat like a little brother of Moab's. The surrounding area is filled with mazes of sandstone walls and towers poking up here and there. Instead of the La Sal Mountains, the Unita Mountains make the back drop of the area. The Green and the Yampa Rivers flow nearby eventually converging.

In the area there is good mountain biking, the Green and Yampa Rivers are popular for white water rafting and kayaking, and of course there's a lot of rock for climbing. However, most of the rock isn't of the best quality, desert adventure climbing could be a good way to describe it.

The only routes that I am aware of, are the few that are in Bjornstad's Desert Rock IV. Most of these were put up by Jim Detterline in the 80's, this means many of the anchors are over 2 decades old in very soft rock...

All of the climbing I've done in the area, felt like no one has even climbed the route since the FA, so as far as other climbers hogging the routes, well, that's not an issue at all. Expect seclusion, loose rock, missing anchors, tons of opportunities for new routes and adventure!

Getting There 

From Salt Lake take I-80 E to 40. Head east on 40 for a little over 2 hours and your in Vernal.

The Classics

Featured Route For Vernal Area

Mike's V-Card 5.8 PG13  UT : Vernal Area : Western Battleship

Layback on an easy right-trending flake for 15 ft. to gain easier climbing and a good stance. Work through a slightly tougher off-width to gain a good handcrack for 15 ft. of solid jams. At a good stance the crack opens up to an off-width with a bulge at the top (crux). Place a not-so-inspiring cam (#2-#4 camalot range) at the bottom of the bulge and work through tough/awkward and exposed moves to gain the belay ledge. Two stainless glue-ins up and to the left make the anchor. ...[more]   Browse More Classics in UT