Earlier this summer, local climbers filled out a survey to identify priorities they wanted to see the Teton Climbers’ Coalition address.
More than 67% of respondents indicated their number one priority was the inspection and replacement of aging bolts and anchors throughout the Greater Teton climbing area.
Accordingly, the TCC announced today that it is embarking on a multi-year Climbing Area Modernization (CAM) Project, an effort to monitor, inspect and replace climbing hardware as necessary to ensure a safe climbing experience for this and future generations.
“Crags throughout the greater Teton climbing area provide community members with climbing opportunities all summer long,” said TCC board member Garrick Hart. “Problematically, many of the routes in these areas are equipped with hardware (bolts and anchors) that are decades old. This hardware needs to be regularly inspected and, when necessary, replaced with modern equipment.”
This past spring, the TCC’s stewardship team, including Hart, Chris Owen, Wesley Gooch and Tom Hargis, began inspecting bolts and anchors at Blacktail Butte, a cragging area that exists within Grand Teton National Park boundaries. Some of the Blacktail Butte routes, and their hardware, are more than 40 years old.
Over the summer, TCC board members met with GTNP staff to discuss the replacement of aging infrastructure with safe, modern equipment that will last multiple generations. A “best practices” guideline for new route development will inform replacement strategies. Additionally, TCC board members are inviting the routes’ developers to participate in the hardware modernization effort.
Those interested in supporting the project may make donations to the TCC through Old Bill’s Fun Run. Please click here to donate now.
Local climbers, new-route developers and climbing guides will assist with replacement of outdated hardware at Blacktail Butte beginning next month. The Blacktail Butte project is expected to be completed by 2024.
Additional Jackson Hole climbing areas, including Rodeo Wall, Hoback Shield and the Happy Hour Wall, will be addressed as part of the CAM Project in upcoming summers.
“The climbers’ survey this spring helped us understand our community’s top priorities,” said TCC board member Marian Meyers. “The TCC is excited to address them, and to continue to serve our community on this and other projects.”