Candlestick Tower

Candlestick Tower is a striking sandstone formation within Canyonlands National Park that rises dramatically from the White Rim Road in the Island in the Sky district. The structure features steep vertical walls of rust-red rock and provides multiple climbing routes for experienced mountaineers.

The first successful climbing expedition to the summit occurred in 1974 when mountaineers reached the top. The sandstone formation itself originated from wind-driven dunes during the Late Triassic period.

The formation serves as a reference point for climbers who test their skills on multiple established routes, including the Southwest Corner and East Face.

Access to the site requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the White Rim Road to reach the tower's base. Visitors should be prepared for rough road conditions and limited facilities in this remote part of the desert.

The tower's rock layers reveal different geological periods, showing how the landscape shifted over millions of years. Climbers often notice the surface is considerably more porous than it appears from a distance, affecting both the difficulty and experience of climbing.

Location: San Juan County

Elevation above the sea: 1,684 m

GPS coordinates: 38.38070,-109.93154

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:22