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Roughly 120 people learned the basics of rock climbing at the Blue Mounds State Park over the weekend.
All eight “I Can Climb!” sessions were filled with participants of all ages from all over the tri-state area.
Trained professionals from Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures, Minneapolis, provided equipment and instruction for climbers.
Instructor Tim Cheesebro said the Blue Mounds State Park is a popular spot for climbers.
“The Sioux quartzite is nice and hard and smooth,” he said, explaining that other types of rock are more jagged and prone to chipping and breaking.
“This is also a nice, open area that’s easy to get at. Some climbing spots are in mountains or forested areas.”
After being fitted with helmets, shoes and climbing harnesses, participants took turns scaling the colorful Sioux quartzite cliffs, with instructors providing tips and encouragement, taking up slack or letting out rope as needed from below.
No experience was necessary.
“I Can Climb!” is part of a series of skill-building programs offered by the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. Other programs in the series introduce camping, fishing, paddling, mountain biking and archery to beginners.
The “I Can!” programs are funded in part by the Parks and Trails Fund through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment approved by voters in November 2008.