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Tonka Tower Rock Climbing

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Routes in Tonka Tower

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Tonka Tower T 5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c A0

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GPS:	38.68113, -109.53847 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By:	Tradkelly on Nov 29, 2001 · Updates
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Access Issue: Closures and Restrictions Details

Check Raptor closure status and details at: nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/…

Read about Anchor Replacement and Restrictions mountainproject.com/v/utah/… in Arches National Park

Access Issue: RAIN, WET ROCK and RAPTOR CLOSURES: The sandstone around Moab is fragile and is very easily damaged when it is wet. Also please ask and be aware of Raptor Closures in areas such as CAT WALL and RESERVOIR WALL in Indian Creek Details

WET ROCK: Holds rip off and climbs have been and will continue to be permanently damaged due to climbers not respecting this phenomenon. After a heavy storm the rock will remain wet, sometimes for several days. PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB IN MOAB during or after rain.

RAPTOR CLOSURES: please be aware of seasonal raptor closures. They occur annually in the spring.

Description

This isolated mudpile of a tower a mile cross-country hike from the Windows parking lot offers a single climb, a 5.8 A0 PG climb. It's alternately described as fun, scary, and ewww, but it's nice for some bolt ladder and mudpile experience, as well as solitude. The bats come out in droves at night in the summer (please don't tease them with the 'rock in a sock' ploy), and there's a grand view of the park from the pillars. It's also a good place to acquaint oneself with easy desert aid.

Getting There

Drive 9.3 miles from the Arches visitor center and take a right (E) on the Windows road. Drive to the loop parking area at the end of the road and park. Look south for three rocks a mile away - that's the destination. Hike up 2/3 of the way to the Windows arches on the established Turret Arch trail, then head off south across slickrock, staying west of the formations, until the rock ends. Continue SSW across the desert in washes to avoid cryptobiotic soil and cacti towards the three towers in the near distance. The central tower is your goal; just to the right of it as you approach is a 30' spire with a capstone that resembles an alien head from the Aliens movies. Go to that rock and look E at the ugly central tower, then decide if you're ready for an adventure. Be prepared to talk pleasantly with park rangers about your knowledge of cryptobiotic soils and hiking offtrail if you go during the day. Wear boots, not sandals, for the approach - there's lots of cacti.