The Pickle | Arches National Park

Climbing The Pickle - Arches National Park Climbing The Pickle

Arches National Park

Overview

RATING: 5.7 C1
MAPS: Moab, UT

Tue

A slight chance of rain showers after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North northeast wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

46 | 28

Wed

Rain showers likely before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

42 | 31

Thu

A chance of rain showers after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

40 | 26

Fri

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

40 | 25

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 25

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SEASON: Any. Can be hot in the summer, but would make a great evening route.
GEAR: Aiders / 16 quickdraws / Shoes / Ascenders for the second
NOTES: This route is subject to seasonal closures. See the Arches National Park page for more information.

Tue

A slight chance of rain showers after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. North northeast wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

46 | 28

Wed

Rain showers likely before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

42 | 31

Thu

A chance of rain showers after 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

40 | 26

Fri

A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 5pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40.

40 | 25

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

41 | 25

View Full Weather Details
Rappelling off the Pickle

Rappelling off the Pickle

The Pickle from a distance

The Pickle from a distance

The Pickle is one of the easiest, if not the easiest, desert tower summit to reach near Arches. It provides a commanding view of the Arches entrance and is a great adventure. Although not recommended for the lacklustre bolt ladder, or few slab moves at the top, the view and unique summit make this a very worthwhile. The summit should be reachable for most climbers that have a little aid climbing experience.

Note: The route is closed: April 1-Aug. 31 for raptor nesting.
Final few moves on the pickle - Moab

Final few moves on the pickle - Moab

Getting There

From the entrance to Arches National Park, just north of Moab on highway 191, you can easily spot the Pickle up on the skyline. You can park at the visitor center, or simply off highway 191 at a large sand pile near the Arches National Park entrance.

Route

Make the short hike to the Pickle (10-15 minutes) using the easiest path.

The route goes up the back side, away from the road, and is the obvious bolt ladder. Surprisingly, for a desert bolt ladder, the bolts are close together. The best option is to clip the first few with draws, until well off the ground, then skip every other bolt to save draws. About 3/4 of the way up, the route angles to the right, and begins the final section to the summit from a ledge. There are a few slab moves (5.7) just before the anchor. Climbing shoes are recommended for this short section. It can seem intimidating after being in aiders for the first part of the route, but the moves are surprisingly easy.

One single rope rappel will get you down. (with a 60 m ( 197 ft. ) rope).


Maps

Sandslide Trailhead

12S 620843mE 4274820mN

N38° 36' 49" W109° 36' 43"

Base of the Pickle

12S 621171mE 4274838mN

N38° 36' 50" W109° 36' 30"

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