As far as I know, this is the smallest named tower in the Fisher Towers. It’s a very small tower, but a nice climbing problem.

How difficult the climb is, is dependant on what methods used to climb the tower, and what you consider to be a “true ascent”. Just touching the summit with a hand is easy for an average rock climber. Standing on the summit is a whole different story, and is difficult. If you did want to stand on the summit, but can’t climb at a 5.11 level, you can still reach the summit using a few "clean aid tricks", familiar to canyoneers.

The Cobra is the formation on the left.

Getting There

To get to the trailhead, drive north from Moab along Highway 128, or south from Cisco on Highway 128 to the Fisher Towers Road, which branches east from Highway 128 between mile markers 21 and 22. Follow the road to its end at the trailhead. This road is good for all cars.

This is the view of King Fisher from near the trailhead.

Route Description

Follow the Fisher Towers Trail for 0.5 miles to where a beaten path (after skirting around Ancient Art [tower]), not used as much as the main trail, takes off to the north (left). The beaten path is the standard approach to Ancient Art. The Cobra is the easily recognizable tower on the right.

The route to the top of the tower is on the north, or “uphill” side of the tower. Look carefully for the visible drilled piton just below the summit block, or “head of the cobra”. You will climb to the ledge just below the thinnest part of the column. The route to the ledge is supposed to be rated 5.5-5.9, depending on the source, but it seems easier than 5.9 to me.

If you use the bolt and gain plus stand on the summit (which I didn't do), the route is rated 5.11. Alone, except for my son, I didn't make any attempt to stand on the summit, but if you want to try your luck, click here. You can still touch the summit without climbing on top, and without leading 5.11, but this may be cheating in some people's eyes.

There are some slings and bolts on top for the descent, but please be discreet when replacing them so you don’t mess up the view for those photographing the tower from below.

If you can’t pull the summit pitch, there are other aid methods that you can use to climb the tower. One method that is easy in theory is the one we used on Cowboy Hat Tower.

The Cobra. Route climbs up to the higher ledge on the right. the bolt is upper center of the tower.

When to Climb

Spring or Fall is the ideal time to climb. Winters are usually sunny and nice, but can be surprisingly cold (nearby Cisco has recorded temps as low as -36F/-38C in winter). Summers are brutal with temps 100F (38C) or much higher; 110F (44C) is possible, but since this is just a short climb you could just get a very early start.

Essential Gear

Standard rack, a few quickdraws, and several slings, including one very long one.

Miscellaneous Info

This is a much photographed formation, so please be careful not to mess up the scene for those non-climbers who photograph the rock. Leaving highly visible slings hanging off the formation would be a nightmare for photos. Please be as discreet as possible.

For information on weather, camping, etc, see the main Fisher Towers Page.