Dry Fork Canyon Vernal Climbing Guide
Dry Fork Canyon offers a solid mix of sport, trad, and bouldering in a scenic desert setting near Vernal. The area features quality sandstone with everything from mellow slabs to technical cracks, making it a great spot for a varied climbing day. Access is straightforward, but be mindful of seasonal closures and weather conditions.
Classic Routes
The must-do routes that define the area. These climbs offer exceptional quality and represent the best of what Dry Fork Canyon has to offer. Put these on your tick list.
Routes
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Crack 3 (5.9+, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Full Commitment (5.10d, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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The Seer (5.9+, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Crack 5 (The roof is on fire) (5.8+, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Crack 6 (5.8+, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Lichen It or Not (5.10, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Physical Therapy (5.10, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Positive Affirmations (5.10b, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Crack 1 (Ragnarock) (5.11a, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Bone Collector (5.11a, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Beginner Routes (5.6–5.9)
Perfect for building confidence on desert sandstone. These routes offer good movement and solid protection without being overly intimidating. Mix of sport and trad options lets you practice different skills.
Routes
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Flake Cairn (V0-1, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Maria's corner (V1, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Short-E (V-easy, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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The Sidewinder (V2-, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Mossywater (V2, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Cleft Palate (5.9+, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Intermediate Routes (5.10–5.11)
Step up your game with more technical movement and sustained climbing. Good variety of styles from crimpy face climbing to solid crack work. These routes will push your limits while still being reasonable objectives.
Routes
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Dynosuar (V3, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Smooth Pebble (V3, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Overdry (V4+, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Smear heart upper traverse (V4-, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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SprayHeart (V4-, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Penny Loafer (5.10, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Wipen Lichen (5.10-, Trad, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Hard Routes (5.11+)
Serious business for experienced climbers looking to test their limits. These routes demand solid technique, fitness, and mental game. Come prepared and warmed up.
Routes
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Above the Heart (V7, Boulder, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Crack 2 (5.11c, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Crack 4 (5.11b, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Hangman (5.11, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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Slabbytop (5.11b/c, Sport, Dry Fork Canyon)
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