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San Rafael Swell - North Rock Climbing
| Elevation: | 5,104 ft |
| GPS: |
39.07827, -110.66498 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 501,343 total · 1,996/month |
| Shared By: | Brian Milhaupt on Oct 19, 2002 |
| Admins: | Andrew Gram, Nathan Fisher, Perin Blanchard, GRK, D C |
Description
The San Rafael Swell is a large anticline that is split in two by I-70. The areas and routes under this description are all north of I-70.
Much of the documented climbing north of the interstate is concentrated within a few miles of the BLM campground at the junction of Cottonwood Wash Road and the Mexican Mountain Road. This campground has tables and a toilet and charges $3/person/night. There are many free camping opportunities along both of these roads and within a quick drive/bikeride of the toilet. There is no fresh water, and firewood is non-existent. The largest concentration of routes is on the Dylan Wall two miles east of the campground on the north side of the river. The Mexican Mountain Road (to the Dylan Wall) is easily passable by two-wheel drive vehicles unless the road has been washed out.
Eric Bjornstad's Desert Rock (Wall Street to the San Rafael Swell) offers a selection of climbs and an impressive history and geology lesson that should not be missed. While this area does not offer an extensive amount of established routes in comparison to places like Indian Creek, it has a sense of gradeur and seclusion that makes it every bit as enjoyable.
Much of the documented climbing north of the interstate is concentrated within a few miles of the BLM campground at the junction of Cottonwood Wash Road and the Mexican Mountain Road. This campground has tables and a toilet and charges $3/person/night. There are many free camping opportunities along both of these roads and within a quick drive/bikeride of the toilet. There is no fresh water, and firewood is non-existent. The largest concentration of routes is on the Dylan Wall two miles east of the campground on the north side of the river. The Mexican Mountain Road (to the Dylan Wall) is easily passable by two-wheel drive vehicles unless the road has been washed out.
Eric Bjornstad's Desert Rock (Wall Street to the San Rafael Swell) offers a selection of climbs and an impressive history and geology lesson that should not be missed. While this area does not offer an extensive amount of established routes in comparison to places like Indian Creek, it has a sense of gradeur and seclusion that makes it every bit as enjoyable.
Getting There
30 miles west of the interstate exit for Green River, take exit 131. Make two rights, and follow I-70 back east for a few miles then north for 20 miles to the San Rafael River and the campgrounds. This road was in excellent shape for two-wheel drive traffic (10/02). The road continues north up Buckhorn Wash, or once across the bridge the Mexican Mountain Road (signed) goes east along the river.
Classic Climbing Routes at San Rafael Swell - North
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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