Sister Superior Castle Valley Climbing Guide
Sister Superior and the surrounding Castle Valley towers offer some of Utah's most iconic desert tower climbing, with everything from mellow multi-pitch adventures to serious desert testpieces. The area is famous for its Wingate sandstone spires and classic crack systems, drawing climbers from around the world to test themselves on these legendary formations. Access is straightforward via Castle Valley Road, but come prepared for desert conditions and long approaches.
Classic Routes
The must-do lines that define Castle Valley climbing culture. These routes span all difficulty levels and include some legendary problems that have shaped desert climbing history.
Routes
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Honeymoon Chimney (5.11a, Trad, The Priest)
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Crack Wars (5.11a/b, Trad, The Rectory)
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Kor-Ingalls Route (5.9+, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Black Sun (5.10b, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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North Face (5.11-, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Fine Jade (5.11a, Trad, The Rectory)
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Crazy Little Sister (V-easy, Boulder, Sister Superior)
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No Other Options (V15, Boulder, Castleton Tower)
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Jah Man (Trad, Sister Superior)
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Unknown Sister (Trad, Sister Superior)
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Black Sabbath (Trad, Sister Superior)
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The GAG Route (Trad, Sister Superior)
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Beginner Routes (5.6–5.9)
Perfect for getting your feet wet on desert towers or warming up before tackling the harder stuff. These routes offer solid introductions to the area's unique rock and exposure without being overly committing.
Routes
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Baby Sister (5.8, Trad, Sister Superior)
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Redacted (5.7+, Trad, Sister Superior)
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North Chimney (5.9 5c, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Discrete Start to Black Sun (5.9+, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Empirical Route (5.9 5c, Trad, The Rectory)
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Intermediate Routes (5.10–5.11)
The sweet spot for most visiting parties. These routes showcase what Castle Valley is all about – sustained crack climbing on perfect desert stone with incredible exposure and positions.
Routes
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The Arrowhead (5.10+, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Bjornstad Traverse (5.10, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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North Face Original Pitch 1 (5.11b, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Stardust Cowboy (5.11-, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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West Face (5.11-, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Hail Mary (5.10d, Trad, The Rectory)
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Ministry (5.11a/b, Trad, The Rectory)
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Off To See The Allah (5.11b, Trad, The Rectory)
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Sinners and Infidels (5.10d, Trad, The Rectory)
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Hard Routes (5.12+)
Serious business for strong climbers looking to push their limits on world-class desert stone. These routes demand solid technique, mental fortitude, and the ability to place gear while pumped.
Routes
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Burning Inside (5.11c+, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Hollowpoint (5.11d, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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The Ivory Tower (5.13b, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Sacred Ground (5.12b+, Trad, Castleton Tower)
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Coyote Calling (5.12a, Trad, The Rectory)
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Book of Thunder (5.11c, Trad, The Rectory)
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East Face (5.11c+, Trad, The Rectory)
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Find Shade (5.11c+, Trad, The Rectory)
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Jesus Saves (5.11+, Trad, The Rectory)
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Late for Prom (5.11d, Trad, The Priest)
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Excommunication (5.13a, Trad, The Priest)
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Absolution (5.11c+, Trad, Sister Superior)
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