The Tule Valley Hardpan, also known as Ibex Hardpan, is rapidly gaining international recognition among rock climbing, bouldering, and aviation enthusiasts. The immense cliffs of the Ibex Crags, along with nearby boulders and cliffs, offer a desert playground with a serene yet challenging environment for all levels of climbers in the southern Tule Valley.
Whether you scale the massive cliffs or tackle the smaller companion boulders, Ibex Hardpan promises an unforgettable climbing experience in the heart of the Great Basin.
ABOUT IBEX HARDPAN
Ibex Hardpan is a bouldering paradise with mixed-gear, traditional, and sport climbing routes ideal for highball climbing. It’s located at the edge of a dry lake bed just west of Sevier Dry Lake and offers eerily beautiful remote climbing. The monstrous red quartzite boulders scattered across the desolate landscape create a unique, otherworldly atmosphere. The rocks at Ibex Hardpan are not just visually striking; they also emit a deep, resonant sound like a bass drum when struck, adding to the surreal ambiance.
Hardpan is a dense layer of topsoil cemented by minerals often found in desert climates. It surrounds the boulders underlain by an impervious layer of clay, making the area impassable when wet. After desert storms, the hardpan fills with water and forms temporary lakes that add to the pristine beauty of Ibex. At night, visitors who stay to camp will be blanketed by a sky of glittering stars, unpolluted by manufactured light.
How to Get There
GPS COORDINATES:
 |
38.9920° N, 113.3880° W |
The Ibex Crags is located 50 miles west of Delta in the southern Tule Valley just south of Hwy 6/50. To get there from Delta:
 |
Head west on US-6 for about 50 miles to mile marker 39.25. |
 |
At milepost 39.25, reset your odometer as you turn off US-6 onto a major dirt road heading south. |
 |
0.9 miles: At the major junction, go left (south). |
 |
2.0 miles: Take the side road on the right across the hardpan to the cliffs. Avoid rough spots on the road, and do NOT proceed when wet. |
 |
3.1 miles: Arrive at Ibex Cliffs. There will be a dirt road extending north and south across the hardpan. |
Many visitors park on the east and south sides.
What to expect & how to prepare
Here are some things to know that may make your trip more enjoyable.
 |
What to bring: Bring appropriate climbing gear, including ropes, harnesses, climbing shoes, and chalk. Pack plenty of water and high-energy snacks — enough to get you through a day or two. Ensure you have a reliable map or GPS device, as service may be limited. |
 |
Camping & amenities: This area is known for excellent primitive camping opportunities. However, no facilities are available. |
 |
Accessibility: Do not drive on the hardpan if damp or wet to avoid getting stuck in the mud. Most vehicles should be able to pass the main dirt road on the east side of the hardpan, but there’s limited access to primitive camping. |
 |
Precautions: Do not create new fire rings or light fires under the boulders to avoid damaging the sandstone. Check the weather forecast before your trip and avoid the area during or after heavy rain. Always climb with a partner and let someone know your itinerary. |
 |
Nearby activities: By traveling west of the hardpan, you can use the Blind Valley road to visit Fossil Mountain for additional exploration. Other climbing locations nearby include Millers Canyon, Amasa Basin, Marjum Pass, Painter Springs, Notch Peak trail, Notch Peak from the west, Crystal Peaks, Cricket Mountains, Fool Creek, Chalk Creek, and other locations in Millard County. |
 |
Pack it out: This area is becoming a popular destination, so pack out any garbage and leave no trace. |
BEST TIMES TO VISIT
The best times to visit Ibex Hardpan are spring and fall. During these seasons, temperatures are more moderate, making climbing more comfortable. Summer can be sweltering, while winter conditions can vary. Always check the weather and prepare accordingly for your adventure.
