Fisher Towers and Moab in General

Hey, im planning to come out to Moab in april. I was just wondering if anyone could be of help as to tell me if there is a local airport in moab, and how far from the city of Moab it is.

I plan on staying around Fisher Towers, how far from the airport are Fisher Towers? is it with in reasonable hiking-hitching distance? what else are some close areas like the arches national park? any info is of help right now as im in the beginning planning stages.

There is a tiny airport around 5 miles north of town. I don't think commercial flights go there, or if they do they are pretty infrequent. You really need a car to enjoy Moab - fly into Grand Junction(closest, but small regional airport) or Salt Lake and rent a car.

Hitch hiking from the airport to the Fisher Towers would be a big pain, and would involve thumbing a couple of rides. I've never seen anyone try to hitchhike out there.

I'd fly into SLC or Grand Junkshow and then post for a ride to Moab if you're really set on dirt-bagging it. In April, there should be a fair amount of traffic.

"Great Lakes" is the main commercial airline that flies in/out of Moab. You would probably have some luck flying in from Denver. I would get an auto while your here, though.

Pual,

Your best bet would be to fly into SLC and rent a car. Otherwise it will be really tricky getting around without one. I'm not saying it isn't possible but considering how much gear you are going to have and where you want to go, not having a car is going to end up taking up a lot of your time and distract from your trip.

Cheers

John

Fisher towers r pretty cool n scary even the trade rts ancient arts
is good but the chimney pitch is tough 2 pro, why not try castleton or the creek before jumping on that chosspile, to get your desert legs about ya, it will be crowded for sure in april just my 2 cents

Hey thanks for the tips guys, but i think Im going to fly all the way seeing how im 17 and cant legally rent a car(have to be 25.)

Stolen Chimney-Ancient Art-Fisher Towers has been set in my eye since i first heard about the summit back in February. It's something i really want to climb almost to the point of an obsession ha. to be honest my plan was to fly out to denver then to moab and get a cab to bring me into the town. from there set up camp somewhere in the desert near some cliffs or canyons and just wander and enjoy the beauties of Moab.

Before that i was planning on finding an agreeable partner to climb Stolen Chimney with me. this part was going to be a little difficult seeing how i only lead 5.5 (just started leading a month ago.)so i would have to find someone comfortable leading all the pitches (which is pretty hard to find ha.) im willing to pay the man i climb with money for gas,food and beer. and willing to give in to an amazing climb with all of my commitment.

So thats my plan, get to moab camp in the desert, explore the area and hopefully climb Ancient Art.

dan zika wrote: Fisher towers r pretty cool n scary even the trade rts ancient arts is good but the chimney pitch is tough 2 pro, why not try castleton or the creek before jumping on that chosspile, to get your desert legs about ya, it will be crowded for sure in april just my 2 cents

Well writ, good man. Your passion for punctuation is only shadowed by your obvious love of complex composition.

Paul,
Do yourself a big favor and pick up a map or two, and maybe a guide or three. Seriously. . . it'll make your trip soooo much more enjoyable (and will actually allow you to plan a day or two in advance).
Hiking from the airport to the Fisher Towers is a definite no, although hitching is doable (most likely will be at least two separate hitches). But remember, there is no available water at the Fisher Towers.
Arches NP seems much more reasonable for a first-timer without transport. Plenty of fun climbs (for the experienced leader) and hiking and camping - but again, water can certainly be an issue for one without transport. I'm not sure if hitching in Arches is acceptable (by the feds), but I'll assume that it's ok??
Hiking into Arches from the airport is reasonable, but again, you'll need a map (and water!).
It's a big and angry land, esp. when afoot. You'd certainly do best to hook up with someone.

Look into it, make some calls, do some research and pick up some maps/guides.
I envy the freedom and carelessness of youth (but am sure appreciative of experience).

Take The Larry up on his offer. OR, be patient and come out when you have some wheels (or a friend with wheels) and have more climbing experience.

Hey Paul. A good friend and I are planning on spending the month of april in the Moab area. We will be doing the Indian Creek dirtbag thing for a while, but plan on getting out and doing some towers as well. We are always happy to climb with new folks. Shoot me a PM and we can swap contact info.

If you are 17 and have only been leading for a month, Moab is not a very good place to go. You are better off getting pitches in somewhere local and going to Moab in a year or two.

Hey Paul, I like your plan. I have hitchhiked around Moab (on the River Road that goes up to the Fishers) and found it surprisingly easy to get rides. Between gruff old ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts of various stripes, people were pretty friendly.

I'm pretty sure there is an airline that does daily flights from Denver to Moab, but I'm too lazy to look it up right now. You could also take Greyhound to Green River which would add a leg to your hitchhike but might be cheaper.

I say don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. I climbed the Sundevil Chimney when I was 16 years old and it was my first big desert route, it remains one of the most memorable climbs of my life. Your plan sounds like a fun adventure. Once you're in Moab, I doubt you'll have too much trouble getting around if you're patient.

Paul,

Ben said it best!!

No one here, on this site, should tell you what you can and can not do. I was told by about 100 people that there was no way I could climb in Canyonlands with less than a year of leading trad when I was a teenager, proved them all wrong in a fun and exciting way that I will tell stories about until I am choking to death from laughter at 107 years.

Moab is an awesome place to climb, and gain some experience in sub-ideal conditions.

I live in Springdale (Zion) and would love to help you out on your adventure!

If you like, I would drive over to Moab and kill some time with you.

Just pm or email me

Rob Schwarzmann

Hey Rob I sent you something (dont know if its a pm or email) just clicked the contact button on your personal page. I couldnt agree with you and ben more.

People full of doubt...its a joke.

Any way everyone, thanks a whole lot for all of your inputs, help and tips. the really have helped alot! still looking for people to climb with so just message me and ill get back to you.

paul,
airport is 16 miles out from town, not 5. fisher is about 20-22 miles out from town so stock up before you head out there. i do not imagine you would have trouble getting a ride on river road. depending on the time of year, you might have an easier time hooking up with folks if you stay at big bend campground (8 miles out) and if you can't find anyone then there are the boulders right there.
Pagan mountaineering now has a partners and ride link on their web page. try posting there too. other suggestions. you might find a camping spot on potash. you can always find someone climbing on wall street and its a little closer to town. arches, you're dealing with families and retirees from ohio, seems less likely to find rides than these other options. there is water at a spring at the beginning of river road (or free at gearheads)- stock up. there's not water at any of the campgrounds. hope this helps with the planning.
good luck. have fun.

Camping at the established spots in the Fishers/Onion Creek is awesome. It is remote though. Even with a car. I would not tackle a Fisher until you climbed a bit on sandstone. It's NOT strong.