THE DESERT
Photos in this portfolio share many climbs and explorations in the deserts of Southeastern Utah, primarily with my long-time climbing partner, the late Chip Chace. Chip was a legendary Desert climber and master of off-finger cracks. Click on any photo for a full version and some backstory.
Can you see Moses, facing right? Zeus is the small thin spire just to his left.
Chip Chace blasting up endless 5.10 hand cracks on the 4th pitch of Primrose Dihedrals.
Looking down at Chip on the 5th pitch of the Primrose Dihedrals (5.11d), one of two crux pitches.
View of Moses from Zeus, with the Primrose Dihedrals facing.
Full view of Zeus, from the base of Moses.
Closeup of a party on the ledge below the 2nd pitch of Sisyphus (5.11), about halfway up Zeus.
Chip Chace descending from Fine Jade (5.11). The Rectory, Castle Valley, Utah
Can you see the Priest standing at the far left end of the Rectory? Chip in the foreground.
The Priest, Castle Valley, Utah. Excommunicated (5.13-) goes straight up the sun shadow line for 2 pitches, then onto the shadowed wall for 2 more pitches to the summit.
The start of Excommunicated is plated with Calcite which makes for some excellent holds, but it's still 5.12c.
Chip following the 2nd pitch of Excommunicated (5.12-).
Me and Justin on a climb called Wavy Gravy, Indian Creek, Utah.
Justin Briggs leading in Donnelly Canyon, Indian Creek
Chip on the 3rd pitch of Dawn Patrol, Big Bend area near Moab
Chip at the base of Standing Rock just before we climbed it.