Tour of Utah

My partner and I will be heading to Utah March 10-17th. We've never been to Utah, so I'm trying to solicit some local knowledge. Moab is an obvious choice to spend a large portion of time, but I'm having trouble deciding whether or not it's worth the driving time to go to Zion. We have no aid skills, and don't climb hard enough to free anything hard. It seems many of the noteworthy climbs in Zion involve aiding.

Is it worth driving to Zion for Ashtar Command and whatever else we can find? Otherwise, is there anywhere outside of the Moab area worth spending a day or two or are we better off enjoying our time there?

I'd say the whole state! But that is not realistic and considering the time of year and that you want to climb, staying in the southern portion of the state will be key.

The San Rafael Swell is a great place not too far from Moab (~2 hours) depending on which part you go to. There's lots of climbing there, fewer people, and plenty of places to explore.

Hanksville area is another cool area, although much of the climbing there is on poor rock and often involves aid.

Joes Valley, if you like bouldering.

This is just a very short list of all the potential areas you could explore. Have a great trip!

I second the San Rafael Swell, but not for the climbing instead the canyoneering. On a rest day for climbing, check out zero G canyon aka little sinbad. You will have a blast. Look up some beta online.

I'll be sure to look into San Rafael Swell. I'm seeing all sorts of cool looking things in big cottonwood canyon and the Wasatch, but I'm guessing it's all too snowy to get on rock in March?

Wasatch in March should be fine, but then again it could snow.

With your timeframe I would stay down south, skip the Swell and visit Zion even if just to hike/canyoneer. There is moderate cragging, check the supertopo guide.

Zion is an amazing park overall, especially in the off-season when it is less crowded. There's enough low-commitment climbing to last a few days. If conditions permit Led by Sheep in the east side of the park was a worthwhile adventure.

The Swell has a wild feel to it. Bring a good map.

If you're bouldering you could check out Triassic in addition to Joe's.

I wouldn't bother going to the Wasatch unless you want to visit friends in SLC. There's great climbing, but if you've got a week go someplace that's not next to a million people.

7-8 days isn't really a huge hunk of time...and, you'll use part or most of a day driving from Moab to Zion(s).

There's enough venues around Moab to keep you busy.

But...if you wanted to see more of the state, you could drive to the Swell, pick up a pitch or three (or one of the long reef climbs) then drive through Capitol Reef, grab a hike in/near Escalante, do the drive by of Bryce, and drop in the back door of Zion (east side).

Spending a day or two in Zion would be worthy. If time allows, sample some of the fine sports climbing around St. George.

Road trip!

I'll be in Joe's March 16th - 22nd. Love to meet up with anybody down there!

There really isn't all that much to see in Zion. I would stay away.... Far away.