All Locations > Utah > Southeast Utah > River Rd

The Matador Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Matador

L › R R › L A › Z

Cornered T 5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a C1

Order Wrong? Sort Routes

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:	4,641 ft	1,415 m
GPS:	38.67076, -109.49021 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	1,207 total · 22/month
Shared By:	Chris Weidner on Jun 1, 2020
Admins:	slim, Cory N, Perin Blanchard, GRK, David Crane 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 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

The Matador is an impressive tower located above the Sandy Beach pullout (between mile markers 12 and 13) on the River Road. From most angles the Matador blends into the rim rock behind it, making it "invisible." But from the Sandy Beach pullout it appears as a pointy, freestanding tower.

In April 2006, Eric Bjørnstad and I took a drive along the River Road, where we ended up tasting wine -- as he loved to do -- at the Castle Creek Winery. Along the way he pointed out this tower, told me it was unclimbed, and encouraged me to do it. I did as I was told, and had a grand time in the process.

I gave him the information published here right away, as he was actively working on Desert Rock V. Sadly, he passed away before it was published. Eric Bjørnstad left a vast legacy of desert climbs and accurate, exhaustive guidebooks that will help climbers find adventure for many years to come. Thank you Eric.