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Prospector Canyon Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Prospector Canyon

L › R R › L A › Z

	Assay Tower T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C1 R
	Bonsai Pin T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C1
	Castle, The T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b C1
	Mcyetta’s Loaf II T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C1
	North Pole, The T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a C1 R
	Point Keller T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C1
	Pony Boy T 5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c C1
	Princess Pants T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a C1
	Prospectors Tower - N. Face T 5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b C2
	Putterman’s Pinkie T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a A2
	Twister Tower T 5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a C1

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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:	6,520 ft	1,987 m
GPS:	37.74834, -109.71775 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	262 total · 19/month
Shared By:	Ben Kiessel on Nov 30, 2023
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

This is a remote, high-elevation desert canyon. The area is incredibly beautiful. The rock is Cedar Mesa Sandstone, which can range from decent to bad. As with all infrequently climbed sandstone, expect some sand and bring some fresh webbing for the anchors. We couldn’t find a name for this little canyon and dubbed it Prospector Canyon.

Getting There

Prospector Canyon is located in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, west of the Abajo Mountains. The easiest way to get to the canyon is coming from Blanding via Cottonwood Wash. Drive 6.3 miles west on 95 from 191 south of Blanding. Turn right on Cottonwood/Elk Mountain Rd. Drive for 8 miles to a right hand turn on South Cottonwood Rd. After 9 miles and multiple creek crossings you’ll see a good dirt pull off on the left that we’d park/camp at. I’ve driven this road in an old Honda Accord when the creek was dry but it’s probably a better idea to have a little more clearance than that, especially if the creek is flowing.

.3 miles farther up the road is a drainage. Hike west up the drainage for 1-1.5 hours depending which tower you are headed to.