Hiking eastward on the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail (in a counter-clockwise direction), please don't hesitate to scan the south-facing walls.

On the far right of the Butte's south wall is a detached sandstone pinnacle
known to climbers as Coyote Tower.

With six pitches rated 5.9+, pitch one is a 5.8 slab climb interrupted by a section or two of vertical face, while pitch two is a sustained 5.10, pulling and stemming a slight roof to the anchors.

After reaching the summit of Coyote Tower, some climbers have even "spanned the gap" between the detached pinnacle and the main body of Courthouse Butte.

The descent can be made along the "South Bowl" route. After descending a 30-foot section of 5.6 requiring ropes, the return to the loop trail is made via Class 3 and 4.

October is a great time for an appointment on Courthouse; anytime after that expect freezing nighttime temperatures and ice forming on routes.

January 7, 2009