PRINT: Climb Worst Case Scenario, Joe's Valley

Worst Case Scenario

V9 PG13, Boulder, 15 ft (5 m),

Avg: 3.7 from 81 votes
FA: Jason Kehl
Utah > Central Utah > Joe's Valley > Left Fork > Right Sign Area

Access Issue: Don't climb on wet rock! Details

Attention:

Don't climb on wet rock! Sandstone is a porous rock type that can absorb a lot of water. It can lose up to 75% of its strength while wet, making it easy to snap off holds and irreparably damage classic climbs. Wait 48 to 72hrs after precipitation. If the ground is still damp then the rock is still wet. A great way to check for precipitation history before traveling to Joe's is to go to this site-

climate.usu.edu/mchd/dashbo…

and under "Data Charts" click the "Precipitation" tab. Make sure the surface wetness is 0 before climbing.

Description

Starts on two crimps in the center of the boulder. Moves left to a cool tufa then punches to the jug. Traverse right using a heel hook and finish around the corner.

While there is potential for a seriously disastrous fall, this risk seemed low with appropriate spotting.

Location

Down canyon from the Jordan Boulder, park in the large lot on the left (river) side of the road. Look down canyon and up. Easily identified as it hangs slightly over the drop off on the road.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

cruxin

Matt cruxin out

Brian on crimps

Chris over the road

Where the Business Begins.

Worst Case Scenario

Sticking the crux

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Peter Franzen
Phoenix, AZ

This is a perfect example of a route where the name really adds something to the experience. Were it not called "Worst Case Scenario" I don't think the gigantic tumble down the hillside would be much of a concern.

As it is though, it's pretty exciting getting your left foot up and out over the void and pushing off of it. The worst-case moves are definitely some of the easiest of the route, and the crux is totally safe. May 6, 2009

Beaudering

Description could not be more in reverse. Problem starts on middle of the boulder, moves LEFT to a tufa pinch then punch up to a jug and traverse right out around the lip. Mar 21, 2010

Ryan Selfaison
Provo, UT

V9-

Such a sweet climb, definitely recommend to anyone climbing the grade!
youtu.be/GgtWdiWReB8 Mar 12, 2020

Joseph Caceres
San Antonio, TX

As of June 2020 the landing for this boulder has been partially removed to make room for boats and campers to drive through the valley. What was once thought of as the worst case scenario has actually gotten worse... Might wanna bring a rope, harness, and an extra pair of clean undies... Jun 4, 2020

EChristensen
Bozeman

Tried this a few years ago then again yesterday and if anything the landing has gotten better. The slope on the left may have eroded slightly, but it would still require a 'Worst Case Scenario' to tumble down the hill, especially if you have a good spotter. I'm second guessing my foggy memory, but I'm pretty sure there used to be a small boulder under the problem that made the landing slightly worse (am I getting senile?!?). Perfectly flat now until you're through the crux. Nov 19, 2020

Matt Rawlings
Salt Lake City, UT

youtu.be/1skmdugZS5c Jan 22, 2021

Spencer C
Arlington

From pictures it looks like there should be a direct finish, is that not the case? Oct 1, 2021

Kyle Hanus

youtu.be/qwsbQtSaWvs
I haven't seen any other climbers use this beta so I thought I'd share my sequence. I (5'9ish) felt too stretched for the traditional foot cut and stab at the upper crux and found a toehook, match sequence to bypass it. Hope this helps any other intermediate/short climbers. Dec 13, 2021

James Braithwaite

V9 PG13

Beta video edit with hold closeups: youtube.com/shorts/ZcFN4PWu… May 3, 2023

Sam D
CA

V9 PG13

Please approach this problem with seriousness. Last week, someone actually took the plunge. Miraculously, the climber only had cuts, scrapes and a minor concussion. I saw it with my own eyes, his body ragdolling all the way down into the road; It makes me sick just thinking about it. The landing has eroded significantly in recent years and the potential to fall down the hill has most definitely increased. PLEASE be careful; it can happen to you. Oct 25, 2023