Rock Climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch - Day 1
Ryan Wittich on Crimp Scampi 5.10d | Horseshoe Canyon Ranch - North Forty Routes
This past weekend my climbing friends Ryan Wittich, Meg Velius, and myself decided to make a last minute trip to go rock climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, Arkansas. It almost didn’t happen because we were concerned about the conditions of the rock after a rain on Friday, but we took the chance and made the 5 hour drive from St. Louis Saturday morning. Our gamble paid off as we were blessed with perfect climbing conditions! My first rocking climbing trip to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch was one for the books!
Ace in the Hole 5.9+
Ryan Wittich on Ace in the Hole 5.9+
We arrived at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch around 2pm on Saturday. Picked out a camping spot, loosely set up camp, and then headed straight to the North Forty Routes. We spent the day in the North Forty climbing (links to the routes on Mountain Project):
Connect with me on Mountain Project.
With the longer summer days we were able to climb until dusk around 7ish before heading back to camp, making some well earned dinner, and relaxing by the campfire.
Molt 5.8+ and Sons of the Soil 5.10a
Meg Velius on Molt 5.8+
Meg Velius on Sons of the Soil 5.10a
Camping at Horseshoe Ranch costs $10/night. Climbing is $5/day. There are a good amount of campsites in the designated camping area with each spot having a fire pit. There are also bathrooms and showers available in the camping area.
The only issue is that the camping area is on a hill so a truly level spot is hard to come by but if you arrive early, or look around, you’ll find there are many good spots. We found a spot surrounded by 3 boulders with a wood platform big enough for a 4 person tent which was perfect.
Zeke’s Didge Dance 5.10b
Meg Velius working through the bouldery start of Zeke's Didge Dance 5.10b and climbing out to the upper slab section.
Meg Velius on Smooth Criminal 5.9
Meg Velius on Smooth Criminal 5.9
Meg Velius on Smooth Criminal 5.9
Meg Velius on Smooth Criminal 5.9
Crimp Scampi 5.10d - A Horseshoe Canyon Ranch Classic
Ryan Wittich on Crimp Scampi 5.10d
We ended Day 1 with Ryan tackling Crimp Scampi 5.10d a Horseshoe Canyon Ranch classic sport climbing routes. The routes is aptly named as it’s nothing but crimps the whole way up! I’m assuming anyway… I only made it to the crux at the 2nd bolt on top rope so I have no idea what the top section is like, but from watching Ryan it’s still crimpy.
All-in-all and amazing Day 1 of rock climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch!
My Rock Climbing Gear, Climbing Clothes, and Camera Equipment
My Essential Outdoor Rock Climbing Gear
Edelrid Jay Harness - Mens
My gym and crag harness.
Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device
GRIGRI is essential protection when belaying.
Black Diamond Mens Focus Rock Climbing Shoes
My current rock climbing shoe.
Additional Climbing Gear
Climbing Clothing
I find these clothes to be light, breathable, easy to move in, and protective from the sun.
Camera and Filming Gear
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