Ridge 1 Rock Climbing

Ridge 1 has always seemed like a "wilderness" crag perhaps because it takes longer to get there. In addition, the crag faces a bit more West than the others and the view is pretty much into the hills. On average climbing here is more difficult than at the other ridge crags, with a lot of 5.12 and at least one Alan Nelson 5.13. There are, however, a number of fine 5.9 and 5.10 routes to be had as well. The most distant section of Ridge 1, the most West and most uphill, has the best unbroken sweep of rock with some major overhangs to be had. The section lower on the hill has some ledge systems that break up the continuity. A notch separates the higher and lower sections and this has several lines in it as well. As with most of the Wild West, it is almost mandatory to bring the trad rack unless you have a specific bolted line in mind. A full set of Friends and a fist full of wired stoppers will cover most things. Ridge 1 is a really cool spot and a highly interesting way to get off the beaten path, pick up some sun, and almost never run into another party.