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The Needles District Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Needles District

	Angel Arch T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b C1 PG13
	Beckoning Round TR 5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a V4 6B
	Castle Arch T 5.5 4b 13 IV+ 11 MS 4a X
	Druid Arch T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b C2- R
	National Hot Rod Association, The T 5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
	New World Order, The 5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b V6 7A

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Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	4,885 ft	1,489 m
GPS:	38.1759, -109.8173 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	25,608 total · 105/month
Shared By:	Bill Duncan on Aug 14, 2006
Admins:	slim, Cory N, Perin Blanchard, GRK, David Crane, Nathan Fisher Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

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. 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. Indian Creek Raptor Closure walls include: Echos, The Wall, Far Side, Original Meat, Tenderloins, Second Meat, First Meat, Selfish, Six Star, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, Reservoir Wall, Critic’s Choice.

Description

The Needles District is one of the 4 districts of the Canyonlands (don't forget about the detached Horseshoe Canyon District). The best time to visit is in the spring or fall. This area is often overlooked because of its proximity to the much more famous Indian Creek and North and South Six Shooters. Located here you will find some of the finest arches anywhere. Arches NP is more famous for arches, and certainly has more of them, but the Needles district arguably has some of the biggest and most impressive arches this side of Landscape Arch. The three biggest arches in the Needles District are Angel Arch, Druid Arch, and Castle Arch. These arches are not by the side of the road, and take a fair amount of effort to see, particularly the biggest one, Angel Arch. The trail system here is among the finest in the Canyonlands, and backpacking is incredibly rewarding. An endless supply of excellent bouldering and exploration exists in the area. Even with the crowds that spring and fall bring, it is easy to find seclusion in this labyrinthian realm.

Getting There

The Needles District is located about an hour to an hour and a half south of Moab. Drive past the famous Indian Creek climbing area, and past the inspiring Six Shooters to the entrance.