Modern rock climbing probably first began in the 1970′s at Cherry Creek, in the Pinos Altos Mountains, which hosts several different climbing areas today with much unexplored terrain still remaining. Early climbing also took place in the Cobre Mountains where the areas most unique and famous rock formation, the Kneeling Nun spire resides.
Today there are three main areas where climbing takes place. Cherry Creek, north of Pinos Altos, Saddle Rock west of Silver City, and the Cobre Mountains to the east, reaching from the Kneeling Nun in the north and to the City of Rocks State Park in the south. There are also a number of lesser known, more esoteric areas scattered through the region. And probably many more awaiting discovery.
Read more: A Brief Look at Rock Climbing in the Gila Region
I still remember the day. Having walked the entire length of the formation – again, my imagination thirsting for a way upward to the top. Yet it seemed there were no distinct lines worth the effort to try and climb. Those esthetic lines of vertical passage that occupy your day dreams keep you awake and rouse you to come back for more. Instead I was lost in a labyrinth of confusion with no recognizable means of access or escape. My mind seeped disappointment, so I left it for another day.
So much rock, so little climbing. So after twenty years of climbing it’s all come down to this. Burdened by this lack of inspiration, I left the cliff that day. Perhaps it was time to reinvent myself and shift my focus to other re-creational pursuits. My perceived failure in not having uncovered a climbing paradise ate at me for days. Something in me could just NOT let it go. Because I was here, something had to exist there, beyond my limited scope of vision. Even if the pot at the end of the rainbow isn’t filled with gold, I was just going to have to check it out anyway.
Read more: Lines of Perspective
[Images: Stefan Link]