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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Ayers Rock 6-Oct-2006 At 2:51:27 PM vwills

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Devils tower climbing is officially banned in areas because of nesting birds throughout the year. Climbing in the month of June is a voluntary closure because of Indian mythology and beliefs and the sacredness of the site.
I would argue that the climbers on Devils tower during that period were far more respectful than the 1000s of fat loudmouth gawking tourists trashing the path around the base. I confess I climbed it because I was ignorant and turned up at that time of year, and then hooked up with a local climber who has lived there many years, used to be a ranger and has done many FAs on it, and was able to argue his points for ascent quite convincingly.
However if I went there again (ah the joys of phonolite porphyry- I almost loved cracks) I would make sure to stay away in the voluntary ban period.
And I'd never climb on, or ascend Ayers rock now, but did run up it many years ago before it was handed back to its traditional owners.