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Colorado National Monument Climbing Route Inventory

Original Post
Jesse Zacher · · Grand Junction, Co · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 4,205

Hello Everyone,

Currently the Colorado National Monument is undergoing a climbing route inventory for the whole park. The intention of this project is to get a base idea of how many routes are in the area, and where they are located. Concurrently, attempts will be made to note anchors of all sorts. This includes their current condition and safety. The results of this study will not necessarily result in closures or limitations. The Colorado National Monument is interested in better understanding this recreation resource.

If there is a route that is not listed in any of the various guidebooks(both past and present) or on Mountainproject, please contact the Colorado National Monument, or email me with the details. This is a great opportunity to include all known routes both new, old, and obscure. It is important to be as complete as possible so that the NPS can gain a better understanding of how much the area has to offer for climbers. Additionally, if anyone has concerns about any of the anchors in the area please let me know.

Thank you for your help,

Jesse Zacher

jzacher85@gmail.com

David Gibbs · · Ottawa, ON · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 2

Have you checked other online route databases in addition to mountainproject.com? Such as rockclimbing.com, thecrag.com, etc.

Jesse Zacher · · Grand Junction, Co · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 4,205

David, those sites have been used. Thank you for the recommendations.

Greg D · · Here · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 883

Hi Jesse. I'm sure you and the NPS have good intentions. I have few thoughts and questions.

Do you work for the NPS or are you just helping out with this project?
You mentioned that "this would not necessarily result in closures". Does that mean it might?
Are we heading down a slippery slope if the NPS evaluates safety and decides what is safe or not?
Does the Nps plan to participate in keeping anchors "safe"!

Jesse Zacher · · Grand Junction, Co · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 4,205

Greg D:
I am working on the project for the CNM, but not a direct employee of the NPS. As for closures, there are always area closures in many government managed areas where people interface with wilderness for things like raptors and other sensitive resources. This project would allow for a more fine-tuned version of closures where a specific climb could be closed easily rather than a full buttress and/or wall. If a sensitive resource is found within close proximity of a climb, it could lead to the climb's closure. I would like to thing this would happen regardless of official closure anyway. An example of making closure would be a pictograph against a wall adjacent a climb.

As far as a safety evaluation, this is more for helping in deciding on what needs to be replaced. I also do anchor replacement so, while working on this project, anchor assessment seems to be a prudent task to do.

Currently the CNM functions only in the capacity of allowing replacement. The replacement is often done by a qualified volunteer from the climbing area and often utilizes ASCA hardware. This is on par with other managed areas.

I hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you.

Jesse Zacher

Greg D · · Here · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 883

Jesse, thank you for your response. That is helpful.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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