Climb Wilson Arch

Wilson Arch is a common stop for people visiting the local national parks and Moab, but with some general climbing knowledge and gear you can make this into a longer outing.  If coming from Moab, the arch is obvious on your left about 25 miles south.  There is ample parking on both sides of the road.

From the parking area, hike to the right of the arch aiming for the saddle between the arch and mesa to your far right. Here you will find a disjointed crack that you can follow for the first twenty feet or so and then follow the slab via the path of least resistance to the top at 5.6.  There have been bolts added within the past year or so, but I would not count on them staying there for long as this has been void of permanent gear prior.  A single rack along with ten or so draws in case the bolts are still there should suffice and a few doubles to sling small bushes for some mental protection.

At the crest of the arch, you can take in the views and then rap.  There should be a bolted anchor and piton on the right side of the arch.  Watch for tourists as you toss your rope and then make the single rope rap down!  The walk down from there will be about five minutes or so.

A few things to note – simul rapping can cause unnecessary degradation of the arch and now that there are bolts at the top it is no longer necessary.  Rope pull was difficult so be careful where the rope goes as the last person raps.  The whole experience can take less than two hours if simul climbing.  We did so in one long pitch.  If pitching it out, it might be two or three pitches.