Castleton Tower North Chimney 5.8, Castle Valley, Utah

Castleton Tower in Castle Valley is one of the most recognizable desert towers in North America — a 400ft Wingate sandstone spire rising above the Castle Valley floor east of Moab on Route 128 along the Colorado River. The North Chimney (5.8) is the less traveled alternative to the famous Kor-Ingalls Route and provides a committing but more chimney-focused experience up the tower. The summit views stretch across Castle Valley to the La Sal Range and out toward Arches and Canyonlands. The experience informed the approach in Granary Canyon the following day where chimneying skills proved essential in an unexpected solo self-rescue situation.