Matt Lisenby
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[Hide Comment] When we started going out to this area, in the mid '90s, we ended up calling it Mecca because we kept returning to it. At that time, there was no cattle fencing in place at the parking area and the "Overlook" interpretive signage was faded & unreadable. It sometimes gets called the "Green-gate" and "Overlook" area for obvious reasons. As is often the case, only a couple of the most obvious lines looked like they had ever been climbed before. We had it all to ourselves. Unaweep bouldering history is very difficult to track and after a couple of years of no traffic, many climbs feel like first ascents. I've posted some photos and pictures of some of our early development, with ratings that we accepted at the time. There is WAY more in the area that what is posted here, and wandering around Unaweep "discovering" boulders is the best way to experience it anyway. Be careful with the edges, especially after rain/show, don't chip/enhance & respect the solitude and unspoiled setting that we have the privilege of experiencing.
Jan 18, 2010
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Jakekasper
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[Hide Comment] I have, over the last nine years, bouldered extensively in this area and it holds a special place in my heart. There have been obivous sings (chipped rock, heavy chalk, stacked boulders) that people have been coming here off and on. As with any climbing area to those who visit, please respect the rock for future generations to enjoy. As Matt has said "many climbs feel like first ascents" chances are they have already been done. Also please respect the desert, it is as fragile as the rock. I have to disagree with Matt that it is best to "wandering around Unaweep 'discovering' boulders." This area is very rugged and at times unforgiving as well as fragile, if someone sees new foot prints they will follow them, even if it leads to nowhere. During the summer months, it is easy for the area to go weeks without rain fall, leaving footprints in the soil that can last a lifetime. I will reiterate the basic climbing ethics, DON'T BREAK THE ROCK. Someday I want to take my kids here and let them experience the "many climbs (that) feel like first ascents" just as I do now when I return to vist a place once home.
Feb 21, 2010
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Nick Reecy
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[Hide Comment] Bumped into Steve Cheyney today and learned that he established and continues to maintenance the trail system that tours the Mecca area. Props to Steve for all the hard work!
Jan 15, 2017
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