In Search of Suds, Desert Towers Route Photo

In Search of Suds 5.10d

Washer Woman, Canyonlands Nat. Park

  • In Search of Suds Sun ExposureRoute quality:
  • In Search of Suds First AscentCharlie Fowler, Glenn Randall, 1982
  • In Search of Suds Pitch InfoNumber of pitches: 6
  • In Search of Suds Approach TimeApproach Time: 30 minutes
  • In Search of Suds Climbing TimeClimbing Time: 4-6 hours
  • In Search of Suds Descent timeDescent Time: 1 hour to base
  • In Search of Suds Sun ExposureSun exposure: Afternoon until sunset
  • About the Climb

    In Search of Suds is a unique and incredible route that ascends one of the tallest and most imposing desert formation. In Search of Suds also has a wild rappel descent going through a big arch, which will keep the adventure going even after the climbing is over.

    This climb is located in a beautiful and remote area of Canyonlands National Park, just above the White Rim Jeep Road. With Monster Tower right next to you and all the other towers and mesas in the distance, In Search of Suds is a spectacular climb with incredible position and beautiful scenery. Climbing in such a spectacular setting is an experience that you will not soon forget.

    In Search of Suds is a super classic and fun climb featuring excellent exposure and great rock. Every pitch has a very different feel and the protection is excellent. The bottom section of the climb follows a continuous corner system with lots of quality hand and finger cracks, as well as a short OW section and a tricky finger crack bulge. However, the highlight of In Search of Suds comes at you on the unbelievable last pitch, where an exposed steep black varnished face allows you to reach the spectacular summit. This is one of the coolest routes that the desert has to offer, and it will get you to one of the wildest free-hanging rappel you’ll ever do. Enjoy!

    Even if this climb did not get a "spicy" rating, be aware that it is a serious objective. It is a long route in a remote area and the climbing is fairly sustained. Watch out for loose rocks during the rappels below the arch. The climb gets afternoon sun and can get hot if there is no wind, so bring enough water.

    CAUTION: Driving in and out of this area is a serious backcountry affair and should not be taken lightly. Do not attempt with a low clearance 2WD vehicle, and check with the Island In The Sky visitor center for road condition info. No backcountry camping permits are allowed in this area because it is in a day-use only area. If you plan on driving in and out on the same day, start early and allow plenty of time to get you out of there. A convenient campground for this option is the Horsethief Campground, located just off the 313 before the Park entrance. Another option is to reserve a site at the Airport Campground down on the White Rim Road, which is not too far from the base of the route. Reservations most be made 2 weeks in advance through the Canyonlands National Park system. There is no water available down in the Canyon.

    In Search of Suds (Desert Towers) GearLoopTopo {In Search of Suds (Desert Towers) GearLoopTopo

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    The GearLoopTopo

    Our GearLoopTopo for In Search of Suds contains all the detailed information you need for the climb, as well as driving directions starting from Moab.

    Similar Climbs

    In Search of Suds is similar in difficulty to Jah Man (5.10c) and has a similar mix of chimney, face and cracks. Another good practice climb before going up on Washer Woman is Stolen Chimney (5.10c) on Ancient Art in the Fisher Towers. In comparison, the face and chimney sections found on In Search Of Suds are slightly more difficult than those found on Stolen Chimney and Jah Man. Finally, if you enjoyed the setting and remoteness of Canyonlands but want something more challenging and sustained, check out Primrose Dihedrals (5.11d or 5.10+ A0).

    Download the In Search of Suds PDF file or visit the PDF Center.

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