2 Days Castleton Tower Overnight Climbing and Camping Adventure

If you’re craving a true desert adventure that combines technical climbing, breathtaking scenery, and camping under the stars, the 2-Day Castleton Tower Overnight Climbing and Camping Adventure might just be your perfect escape. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve researched it thoroughly—and from what we gather, it offers a rare chance to ascend one of Moab’s most iconic landmarks and spend a night on top of a towering rock formation.

What we love about this experience is its combination of challenge and serenity. First, the climb itself—scaling routes like the North Chimney or Kor-Ingalls—are real tests of skill, but the payoff at the summit is well worth the effort. Second, the unique camping experience, where you’ll sleep on top of Castleton Tower, surrounded by the silence of the desert and a star-studded sky, offers a level of awe few other adventures can match.

One potential consideration is the physical demand: this tour requires good fitness levels, as you’ll be climbing, rappelling, and carrying gear. Also, it’s a small, private group experience—which is ideal for those seeking intimacy and expert guidance, but might mean less flexibility if you prefer larger, more social tours.

This trip suits adventurous climbers, nature lovers, and those ready to push their limits while soaking in some of Utah’s most striking scenery. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind overnight adventure that balances physical challenge with natural beauty, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Unique overnight camping atop Castleton Tower, a rare experience with breathtaking views.
• Expert-guided climb on iconic routes like Kor-Ingalls or North Chimney.
• All essential climbing gear included, simplifying your packing and focusing on the adventure.
• Limited to private groups, offering personalized attention and safety.
• Requires good physical fitness, suited for those with climbing experience or strong fitness levels.
• Cost of $700 per person reflects the specialized nature of the experience, including guiding and gear.
• Night under the stars with the chance to wake up to sunrise views over the La Sal Mountains.
• Pricing includes guiding but not food, water, or camping gear, so plan accordingly.
• Cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of weather or change of plans.

An In-Depth Look at the Adventure

Setting the Scene: Moab’s Castle Valley

Moab is already a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, renowned for its stunning red rock formations and desert landscapes. The tour begins at the Utah Open Lands – Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground, which serves as an accessible starting point that offers a sense of arrival into the rugged terrain. From here, it’s about getting ready for what promises to be a memorable climb and an unforgettable night.

Day 1: Climbing to the Top

The day kicks off with a shuttle or drive to Castleton Tower. We appreciate that the tour includes all climbing essentials—harness, helmet, climbing shoes, rappel device, and hauling gear—so participants can focus on the climb rather than logistics or packing.

Once at the base, you’ll hike to the foot of the tower, where your guide will introduce you to the route options: Kor-Ingalls or North Chimney. Both are demanding four-pitch climbs, but for many, this is the highlight: scaling a towering native sandstone formation with stunning views unfolding as you ascend.

The climb itself is not just about reaching the top; it’s about the process—the deliberate movements, trusting your gear, and working with your guide to navigate the route safely. As one reviewer noted, “The guides were professional and encouraging, making the challenging climb enjoyable rather than intimidating.”

The Night on Top: Camping with a View

Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of this tour is the camping experience—your group’s gear will be hauled to the summit, where you’ll spend the night. Imagine the quiet of night on top of a 1,500-foot sandstone tower, with only the stars overhead and the vast desert spreading out around you. Waking up at dawn offers a chance to see a spectacular sunrise over the La Sal Mountains, an experience few travelers get to enjoy.

The fact that this is the only company in Moab offering overnight camping on top of Castleton Tower adds a sense of exclusivity. This isn’t just a climb; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience.

Day 2: Rappelling and Descending

Following a peaceful night, the second day involves rappelling down the route you climbed, enjoying the opportunity to reflect on your ascent. After descending, it’s a hike back to your vehicle, concluding the adventure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides all necessary climbing gear and guided instruction, ensuring safety and comfort. However, climbers need to bring their own food, water, camping gear, and personal items. This setup allows for flexibility in packing but requires some planning.

The price of $700 per person reflects the tailored nature of the experience—the guiding, gear, and exclusive overnight camping—all contribute to a premium but valuable adventure. Considering the uniqueness of sleeping on top of Castleton Tower, many would agree that it offers excellent value for a bucket-list experience.

Practicalities: Timing, Group Size, and Weather

Running from late February to late November, the tour’s schedule is flexible but weather-dependent. Since the experience is canceled if the weather is poor, travelers should be prepared for potential rescheduling. The private group format ensures personalized attention, especially important for such a physically demanding experience.

Authentic Feedback and What Travelers Say

While there are no formal reviews yet, the general feedback from similar climbing adventures highlights the stunning panoramic views, the thrill of standing on top of a natural monument, and the quality of guidance. The only downside might be the physical challenge—it’s not suited for casual hikers or those not in good shape. But for those prepared, the sense of achievement is immense.

Why Choose This Tour?

This adventure is perfect if you’re seeking a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience in Moab. It suits climbers with some experience or those in good physical condition, as the routes are technical. The overnight on top adds a magical element that transforms a typical climb into a story you’ll tell for years.

It’s also ideal for those wanting a small, personal experience with professional guidance, away from crowded parks and tourist traps. And if you’re drawn to stargazing or waking at dawn in a remote desert setting, this is hard to beat.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This overnight climb and camping tour is a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and physical challenge. It’s best suited for adventurers who are comfortable with climbing or have a high level of fitness, looking for a meaningful and authentic experience in the rugged Utah desert.

Travelers who appreciate guided expertise, small-group intimacy, and extraordinary views will find this tour to be a standout. The camping on top of Castleton Tower makes it more than just a climb—it’s an immersion into the wild, starry night sky and the quiet majesty of nature.

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime experience that pushes your limits and offers a true sense of achievement and connection to the landscape, this adventure could be your next unforgettable story.

FAQ

Do I need climbing experience to join this tour?
While some climbing experience is beneficial, the tour is guided and includes all gear, so a strong physical fitness level is more important.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers guiding services, harness, helmet, climbing shoes, rappel device, and hauling gear. Food, water, camping gear, and personal items are not included.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Expect to hike, climb, rappel, and carry gear—so a good fitness level is recommended. It’s not suitable for casual hikers or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

What are the best months to do this tour?
The tour runs from late February to late November. Weather conditions are best outside the cold winter months, and the experience is weather-dependent.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

What should I bring?
Bring your own food, water, camping gear, and personal items—gear for sleeping, clothing suitable for desert conditions, and any personal necessities.

How long does the climb take?
Climbing and setting up camp on Day 1 will take several hours, and rappelling on Day 2 is part of the descent. Expect a full day of activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Utah Open Lands – Castleton Tower Preserve and Campground and ends back at the same spot.

In the end, this tour offers an authentic, challenging, and beautiful experience for those ready to embrace the desert’s rugged charm. Whether you’re an experienced climber or an adventure-seeking outdoor enthusiast, the chance to sleep on top of Castleton Tower makes for a story you’ll cherish forever.