Rock of Ages

[Slot Machine]

Steph and I took a lap through Rock of Ages on December 1st, 2012. It's a pretty straight-forward route with some amazing scenery, but lots of fun. We will certainly do this route again in the future.

There are a couple of fun, but easy upclimbs, a little water to wade through, but not a lot of excitement until you get to the bolts on the last rappel. They will get your attention. The webbing is hanging directly above the 100 foot abyss. There is a bolt back from the anchor that should be used to protect people while approaching the anchor, but it looks like a few people have been rapping from it. Rope grooves, tough pull, single bolt from 100 feet... uh, sounds kinda crazy. :crazy:

We had the privilege of hiking with Mandy and Tim @plutacratic77 (http://www.bogley.com/forum/member.php?u=19699) for a good part of the route. Tim was kind enough to share some of his photos of the final rappel. (Wow, what a difference a good camera & photographer make! :hail2thechief:) Thanks, Tim and Mindy, for the photos, and also for letting us use your rope on the final rappel! Hope to get out with you guys again some time!

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Pool Arch. Sorry, December provides terrible lighting for photos.
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http://amazingslots.blogspot.com/2012/12/rock-of-ages.html

[oldno7]

Did you do the "arch rap" from the tree or just hike down?

That last rap should have NO bolts...

[peakbaggers]

We think that's one of the best Moab routes. Three very nice & exciting rappels along with a few brief upclimbs and narrows sections. Rapping down by that huge arch is spectacular. Extremely scenic. Excellent half day route or full day winter route. Were they out collecting for access into Pritchett Canyon?

[Slot Machine]

We think that's one of the best Moab routes. Three very nice & exciting rappels along with a few brief upclimbs and narrows sections. Rapping down by that huge arch is spectacular. Extremely scenic. Excellent half day route or full day winter route. Were they out collecting for access into Pritchett Canyon?

Regrettably, we skipped the arch rappel, but not next time! It looks great!

They were collecting $3/car for access to Pritchett.

[accadacca]

Good times man. Nice report.:popcorn:

[rockgremlin]

Did you do the "arch rap" from the tree or just hike down?

That last rap should have NO bolts...


:roflol:The last rap had 3 bolts the last time I was there. :roll:

[Slot Machine]

:roflol:The last rap had 3 bolts the last time I was there. :roll:

It still does. It's sketchy to set up your rope, but makes for a very easy, groove-proof pull. It's impossible to screw up.

It looks like there are, and were, many options to set up that rap. Bolt free would be best, but how it is currently set up is not terrible IMO.

[peakbaggers]

Regrettably, we skipped the arch rappel, but not next time! It looks great!

They were collecting $3/car for access to Pritchett.

Last time we were there, they were out collecting $2/person - not per vehicle. They made $8 bucks off the 4 of us for spending 5 minutes crossing their property. Maybe you got their winter rate. :haha:

[Mountaineer]

Ankle biting water in the winter!:cold: Lovin' it.

Great report!

[tley430]

Love it! We did that route back in May and from what I remember the heat was on, I'd probably prefer the cooler conditions now. The rap under the arch (stunt rappel) was awesome!

[Slot Machine]

Love it! We did that route back in May and from what I remember the heat was on, I'd probably prefer the cooler conditions now. The rap under the arch (stunt rappel) was awesome!

It's great in the cool weather! Although, I'd be prepared to take off your pants for the very short wet section. It will suck as you go over the log, but will make the next hour of your life much more pleasant.

[moab mark]

Did you do the "arch rap" from the tree or just hike down?

That last rap should have NO bolts...

Kurt I keep setting a log up in that crack we used everytime I return it is gone. Somewhere here on bogley is a picture of how we did it. It is the best way to do that rap. Nice easy start.

[oldno7]

Kurt I keep setting a log up in that crack we used everytime I return it is gone. Somewhere here on bogley is a picture of how we did it. It is the best way to do that rap. Nice easy start.

Found it:

http://www.bogley.com/forum/showthread.php?35132-Bad-Bolts-in-Rock-of-Ages&highlight=Rock+Ages

[BlakeC]

I've always had bolts on the last rapp. It's been 2 years since I've done the whole route, last year we just went to the arch rapp and climbed back down & out,,, then we grabbed the dirtbikes and did continued up Pritchett... Made for a fun mix and a great day :)