The desert makes you feel in awe with its gravity defying rock formations, ancient artifacts and infinite expanse of life living on the edge. But the desert can also be unmerciful sometimes. Many first timers end up being in hostile environment being caked in dirt and dust. So, if you are planning to rock climb in a desert, here are the tips you can follow as suggested by escalade Montréal.
- Always keep in mind that sound carries
There are no trees or sound absorbing surfaces found in the desert. When you are doing a rock climbing, the rock acts more like a mic that will carry your voices and noises across the landscape. So, always keep your speakers off while at it. This helps with better communication with other climbers and avoids disturbing nearby areas as well.
- Steer clear from ancient sites
There was a time when people aced at climbing the cliffs of desert. But never climb on any private property without prior permission and never disturb any kind of artifact, building and artifact you may find hidden in the cliffs of the desert. As a matter of fact, if you do find something you may want others to know so that they can also have a look at it, and never climb the particular route.
- Pay respect to the closures
You may also find many birds, especially raptors nested high on the sandstone cliffs along the climbing routes. Every year many climbing areas that house birds are closed so as to let these creatures rest. This is done to protect the wildlife of the area. If you do find a nest in the open area, do let others know so that they can avoid messing up with it.
- Never climb after it rains
Sandstone is more like a stone and when it is wet, the holds and protection can pull and can lead to fatal accidents. If the ground at the very base of the climb is wet or the wall has wet streaks always stay away. Just keep in mind that just because the sun is out and shining, doesn’t mean that your climb would be dry.
- Watch the weather
Speaking of rainy season, this weather is quite dangerous in the desert, particularly if you are in a canyon or wash. A wash is where a ditch where the water flows after the rains. Flash floods tend to come out of nowhere and endanger all kinds of climbing sports annually. Never perform any sport in a slot canyon if the forecast say it would rain and always remember that canyons can flood if the storm moistures up the canyon.
