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The Observatory

Utah > S Central Utah > Capitol Reef > Cooks Mesa
Warning Access Issue: Permit Required DetailsDrop down

Description

Main wall is 20-100m north-facing in a large alcove protected from the prevailing W/SW winds. Beautiful, secluded setting with an uncharacteristically dense collection of stellar routes on high-quality Wingate sandstone, several topping out. About as cool [temperature, at least] as it gets on Utah redrock.

Getting There

Just outside the park north of U24. 2 mile hike, 250m climb to base, park at second unsigned pullout east of Rimrock hotel/restaraunt, head up steep trail to path west along shelf below cliffs, past a couple of older multi-pitch aid lines (hard free potential). Continue around large alcove/bay on diminishing trail (stick to wash bottoms and rocks or thoughtfully cairned routes). Climb up to base near peninsula tip or further into north-side drainage.

Routes from Left to Right

5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 1
● Hawking Radiation
Trad
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b
 2
● SETI
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Hawking Radiation
 1
5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
● SETI
 2
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Preeemium fruit...left side of main wall
[Hide Photo] Preeemium fruit...left side of main wall

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

ben brownell
Yreka, CA
[Hide Comment] This is a special area for climbing in the Canyonlands, and deserves respectful enjoyment from local and visiting climbers. I have moved some distance away before completing my original development intentions, and am going to invite some new connoisseurs to carry on. I'd really appreciate continuing attention to a few aesthetic choices regarding trails, anchors and publicity. Essentially, low-impact, as best you know how (or can determine in consultation with familiar parties).

  • Bolts and anchor paraphernalia are a visual impact, and while the neighboring Park's comprehensive ban is overbearing, please keep things out of plain sight from off the rock!
  • Please don't post info for this crag to others until you've been there at least twice, and have a direct feeling for what it's about and how your promotions may affect things.
Sep 15, 2010