Harts Draw Rock Climbing

Harts Draw; AKA: Little Italy Canyon is the major canyon lying between Indian Creek Canyon and Highway 191. The climbing is classic Wingate Sandstone. Hart Draw is public-owned land managed by the BLM.

In 1859, Harts Draw was first accessed by contemporary humans as the route Captain Macomb took to discover the area that is now Canyonlands National Park. Petroglyphs in the area indicate the region was known before this “discovery”. In 1881, the Native Americans of the Pinhook Creek Massacre, who were fleeing a posse of ranchers, used Harts Draw on their route prior to sneaking up and dispatching their pursuers. Since then, the area has been utilized for livestock grazing, uranium mining, and recreation.

Harts Draw has been part of the battleground between resource developers and wildlife conservationists. Multiple attempts were made to establish large national parks that would have incorporated Harts Draw, but the 1964 legislation creating Canyonlands National Park did not extend to the area. In the 1980’s, Hart Draw was identified as a railroad route for a proposed nuclear waste dump, which was ultimately rejected. The prospecting roads of the area have been minimized, but off-road vehicles still frequent the area. The numerous side canyons of Hart Draw offer exploration, wet riparian habitats, and even a few arches.

Safety: Safety Trumps Leaving No Trace in this Area. You will find hangers on bolts.