San Rafael Swell Climbing Guide

A curated route guide to San Rafael Swell.

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San Rafael Swell Climbing Guide

The San Rafael Swell offers some of Utah's most adventurous desert tower climbing, with endless Wingate and Navajo sandstone formations scattered across a massive geological uplift. This is primarily trad climbing country, where you'll find everything from mellow multi-pitch adventures to serious desert objectives. Access can be complex with some areas requiring permits or having seasonal restrictions, so do your homework before heading out.

Classic Routes

The must-do lines that define climbing in the Swell. These routes showcase what makes this area special, from perfect desert towers to quality bouldering on unique sandstone formations.

Routes

Beginner Routes (5.6–5.9)

Perfect for getting comfortable with desert sandstone and building your trad leading skills. These routes offer solid introductions to the Swell's unique rock quality and exposure without getting too spicy.

Routes

Intermediate Routes (5.10–5.11)

Step up your desert game with these solid 5.10 objectives. Expect more sustained climbing, trickier gear placements, and the kind of exposure that makes the Swell famous.

Routes

Hard Routes (5.12+)

The Swell's hardest offerings, mostly concentrated on Dylan Wall. These are serious desert objectives that demand solid 5.12 skills and the mental game to handle sustained difficulty on remote desert towers.

Routes