Ute Mountaineer Owner Bob Wade recently worked with the Independence Pass Foundation and a team of volunteers at the Ptarmigan Creek climbing area on Independence Pass.
To learn more, read on about the project in Bob’s own words:
“Greg’s Cliff, the lowest cliff at Ptarmigan Creek, has seen a great deal of climbing - particularly in the last few years. The traffic has led to some erosion at the bottom of the cliff.
This has caused two problems:
Without plants to stabilize the soil, erosion has accelerated.
The steep, loose surface makes footing poor and belaying difficult. I’ve been dragged off my belaying stance more than once while catching falls on a couple of the Greg’s Cliff climbs.
I worked with a team of volunteers and Independence Pass Foundation staff in establishing belay platforms below the most popular climbs. We also put in a platform at the bottom of Drywall, the adjacent cliff. The team was able to create cribbing from downed avalanche timber to make the six tiers.
Part of IPF's mission is to encourage stewardship, safety, and appreciation of the Pass. We want to include climbers and climbing in that part of our mission.”
Bob is a board member of the Independence Pass Foundation and wants to give huge thanks to Annie Rickenbaugh, Tom Berry, Dave Turner, David Clark and Boots Ferguson for their volunteer efforts. Also thanks to Karin Teague, Executive Director at Independence Pass Foundation as well as intern Amanda Crow. Their work benefits climbing and the entire outdoor community.