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Bullwinkle Tower

Utah > Southeast Utah > Arches NP
Warning Access Issue: Closures and Restrictions DetailsDrop down
Warning 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 DetailsDrop down

Description

The first significant tower south of Owl Rock. Amazingly, while the crowds top rope Owl Rock within sight distance, I have never seen a party on Bullwinkle. There are a couple of routes to the top of this short tower. The rock is good, however, the summit has lots of loose stuff, so use good judgement. The tower is not tall, but it does have about 50 feet of vertical climbing.

Getting There

Driving through the park, take a right on the road which leads towards the Windows area, just past Balanced Rock. Drive past the Garden of Eden road, down past Owl Rock, and as the road curves to the East, you can find atleast one pullout on the left side. A 5 minute walk leads over rock slabs around a mini tower and meets up with the Bullwinkle Tower formation. Bullwinkle Tower is recognized by the obvious west facing and south facing chimneys leading to its summit.

Routes from Left to Right

5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 8
East Chimney
Trad
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 160
West Chimney
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
East Chimney
 8
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
West Chimney
 160
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The West Chimney climbs the obvious (right facing) weakness in this picture.
[Hide Photo] The West Chimney climbs the obvious (right facing) weakness in this picture.
Jack (10) and Axe (8) at base..
[Hide Photo] Jack (10) and Axe (8) at base..
Black Friday 2017
[Hide Photo] Black Friday 2017
Black Friday 2017
[Hide Photo] Black Friday 2017
Bullwinkle Tower
[Hide Photo] Bullwinkle Tower
scramble scramble
[Hide Photo] scramble scramble
The center tower in this photo.  You can see the road to the Windows area on the right.
[Hide Photo] The center tower in this photo. You can see the road to the Windows area on the right.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Sam Lightner, Jr.
Lander, WY
[Hide Comment] On February 15, the Arches Task Force removed the 60 feet of tat rapped around the summit of Bullwinkel and replaced it with a three - 4 inch X 1/2 inch SS bolt and chain anchor. It is hoped that no tat will be added to the chain anchor so that a less obtrusive anchor can remain. Feb 19, 2007
Bill Olszewski
Colorado Springs, CO
[Hide Comment] The lower bolt on the left side of the anchor is now missing, and the one above has exposed sleeve and wobbles. The right side bolt seems good but all in all, a little scary on rappel. Oct 20, 2013
Sam Lightner, Jr.
Lander, WY
[Hide Comment] For some reason people mess with them. If you intend to climb this tower, you best take a wrench and perhaps a hand drill. Tighten up loose bolts... don't crank 'em, just tight. Oct 20, 2013
[Hide Comment] As of 11/18/13 the 2007 anchor was missing. There is one existing bolt with an exposed sleeve, and tat wrapped around a boulder that provides the most reliable descent. Nov 20, 2013
Sam Lightner, Jr.
Lander, WY
[Hide Comment] People.... take a wrench. It's a good idea to carry one on every tower. I"m not sure why this particular route has had the anchor messed with, but It was a damn solid one 6 years ago. For what its worth, someone messed with the anchor on Owl Rock a couple years after it was redone, but we re-fixed it. Be ready to make your own repairs. Nov 27, 2013
Steven Lucarelli
Grand Junction, CO
[Hide Comment] The anchor is now down to one slightly loose bolt and a bunch of webbing wrapped around a bomber block. If the bolt ever comes out the block would be more than adequate. If the bolt anchor ever gets replaced some glue-ins in the existing holes would be a better option. Jun 18, 2014