Voyage of the Cowdog

Area: Picnic Lunch Wall

Route Description

Voyage of the Cowdog is one of the more popular easy multi-pitch climbs in the park and is quite popular. While only the last pitch is worth anything, the position of the final pitch and fun moves attract climbers. Cross the bridge and walk past Shiprock, taking the first trail up to the base of the Western Ship. From there head right and up into the first gully directly behind Shiprock. The base of the climb starts near the right corner of the slabby face

Pitch 1: Use small holds to climb the slabby start and work your way up and to the right where the climb funnels into an awkward corner. Climb up the corner and onto a large ledge to a bolted belay.

Pitch 2: This is really a pitch of moving the belay more than anything and maybe could be combined with pitch one with extended draws. Follow a few bolts up and over a single move to a ramp that leads to a bolted anchor.

Pitch 3: The money pitch of the climb stays on the left hand side of the arete and makes fun moves on an easy to follow line. The crux comes near the top as you have to work your way out to the right a bit and pull over a bulge to a finishing romp up to another bolted anchor.

Descent: We've only rappelled this route in three separate rappels and it isn't a great option. The biggest issue is the amount of loose pebbles and good sized rock that sits between the end of the first pitch and beginning of the third pitch. Pulling ropes and walking along the second rappel can kick down rocks into the starting pitch gully. Be aware of other climbers in the area and for christ sake where a helmet.

Route Images

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