Abstract: A utility anchor having a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and can operate as a tether or anchor in either configuration. It includes an anchor body having a through hole, a rod slidably disposed in the through hole and having a first end and a second end, a rope connector disposed on the first end of the rod, a stopper disposed on the second end of the rod, and a locking element disposed on the rod. A spring disposed between the rope connector and the anchor body urges the apparatus into the retracted configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis the stopper and the anchor body are generally parallel and the locking element is disposed within the anchor body. When the anchor is in the extended configuration, the longitudinal axe of the stopper and the anchor body are not parallel and the stopper is spaced apart from the anchor body.