Climbing Tezcatlipoca Tower
Moab North
Overview
Sat 94 | 68 |
Sun 96 | 68 |
Mon 94 | 69 |
Tue 94 | 68 |
Wed 95 | 67 |
View Full Weather Details |
Sat 94 | 68 |
Sun 96 | 68 |
Mon 94 | 69 |
Tue 94 | 68 |
Wed 95 | 67 |
View Full Weather Details |
Tezctlipoca, although a very short tower at about 15 m ( 50 ft. ) tall, is very unique in it's shape. The climb is short, but the approach hike is delightful with expansive views of the La Sal mountains, San Rafael Swell, Abajo mountains, and even the Henry mountains in the far distance on a clear day. Don't expect to see anyone in this area. Although close to the highways, it is infrequently visited.
Getting There
Travel south from I-70 on highway 191 about 4.4 to milepost 152.6, or travel north out of Moab on highway 191 about 25 miles to the same milepost.
- Go east on a good dirt road, reseting your odometer as you cross the railroad tracks. ( 12S 603034E 4303792N / 38°52'37"N 109°48'44"W )
- After 1.1 miles you will cross a small bridge. Just after the bridge at 1.2 miles, go right. ( 12S 604016E 4305521N / 38°53'33"N 109°48'02"W )
- At 2.6 miles you will cross a cattle guard. ( 12S 605967E 4304420N / 38°52'56"N 109°46'42"W )
- Continue until 3.7 miles where you reach a junction, where you go right. ( 12S 607499E 4304312N / 38°52'52"N 109°45'38"W )
- At 4.0 miles you will cross another cattle guard. Stay left after the cattle guard. ( 12S 607632E 4303758N / 38°52'34"N 109°45'33"W )
- Continue to 4.9 where a small side road goes off on the left. Park a short distance off the main road down this side road. ( 12S 608393E 4302508N / 38°51'53"N 109°45'02"W )
Route
From the trailhead hike above the white cliffs on the ascending ramp. You want to be above all the white cliffs, and below the boulder strewn dirt slope. Follow the ramp as it ascends for about 30-40 minutes to the top of the cliffs. There are amazing views in this section. Once on top, head for the red and white entrada sandstone garden that is evident straight ahead. Tezcatlipoca is in this entrada area, and will be evident as you pass it. (1.5 miles from the trailhead to the tower)
Find one of several routes down to the base of the tower. The climb ascends the chimney on the backside for a few moves before traversing over and up to the top. The piton below the summit is visible from the base. Enjoy the views from the top, this is a unique place. Return the way you came.
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tezcatlipoca
The tower was so named because the first ascent was done solo by Mike Baker by the light of the full moon. Originally rated 5.5, it will likely feel a bit harder to most. (5.7)
Trailhead |
12S 608435E 4302496N 38°51'53"N 109°45'01"W |
Base |
12S 610156E 4301442N 38°51'18"N 109°43'50"W |