Climbing Bullwinkle Tower - Arches

Overview

Sun

60° | 49°

Mon

64° | 45°

Tue

64° | 42°

Wed

69° | 43°

Thu

70° | 48°

( Rated 3.0 / 3 Ratings )

9 Todo Lists / 3 Ticks

RATING: 5.6

LENGTH: 1-2 hours (0.4 mile)

MAPS: THE WINDOWS SECTION, UT

SEASON: Any, although summers can be hot.

GEAR: See description.

Sun

60° | 49°

Mon

64° | 45°

Tue

64° | 42°

Wed

69° | 43°

Thu

70° | 48°

Overview

Climbing in Arches National Park doesn't get much easier than this! A stone's throw from the much more popular Owl Rock, Bullwinkle Tower is fun, more moderate route that doesn't seem to get the love I think it deserves. The climbing is easy, the views excellent, and the outing short. What is not to love?

I recommend Bullwinkle Tower as a good first tower in Arches before tackling the harder/longer Owl Rock nearby.

The route to the right of the rappel.

Rappelling Bullwinkle Tower

Getting There

From the Arches National Park entrance and visitor center, follow the main park road about 9.2 mile to a signed junction to The Windows Section. Go right here, toward The Windows Section, for 1.1 miles to a pullout on the left. This is the Owl Rock pullout, and the trailhead.

Route Description

Note: The anchor when I last visited was adequate for rappelling, but would not make a good top rope anchor. Plan on your second following the route, not top roping it.

Rack: A set of cams to #3 or #4 is adequate. Most people comfortable at the grade will likely only place a few pieces.

From the Owl Rock parking area, Bullwinkle Tower is the first tower to the south, with a slickrock slab going up to the back of a crack on the west side. (a less than 5-minute approach)

From the base, a slabby move or two protects the entrance to the crack but is an easy spot from your belayer. Once in the crack, the climbing is straightforward to the top. Gear is generally available whenever you want to place a piece, just don't place too deeply or you may lose your piece!

Rappel about 20 m ( 66 ft. ) from the slung block at the top.