Rock climbers' Mecca

I am writing in reference to Phil Villarreal's article in the Catalyst supplement of last Thursday's Daily Wildcat.

Although it is encouraging to see articles that promote both local Tucson businesses and the sport of rock climbing, it was discouraging to see the article so poorly represent the local climbing community and the vast amount of climbing that exists within an hour's drive of downtown Tucson. If Mr. Villarreal had spoken to even one of the many local rock climbers on campus or in the community he would have immediately realized that Tucson is a virtual Mecca for sport climbers from all over the world.

In the opening paragraphs of his article, Mr. Villarreal states that Tucson is 'the land of not-too-many cliffs.' Obviously, he has neither driven up Mount Lemmon Highway nor gazed northward at the Santa Catalina Mountains. For if he had he would have realized the sheer amount of climbing opportunities that exist within 20 miles of downtown Tucson. Secondly, he states that even if we did have immediate access to 'dangerous cliffs' it would be too hot outside to enjoy them. At this I am baffled. I and many others believe that Tucson provides us with some of the most beautiful and temperate weather anywhere in the U.S. While climbers around the rest of the country are huddled in their homes dreaming of the day when they can climb again we in Tucson are blessed with near perfect conditions throughout the winter months.

And here is another tip - when the weather in Tucson is sweltering during the summer months, Mt. Lemmon is, on average, 20 degrees cooler, which makes for an easy escape out of the heat.

During the five years that I have lived in Tucson, I have had the opportunity to meet climbers from Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom who travel from their homes abroad to enjoy both the weather and the plethora of sport climbing routes here in the desert southwest.

The variety of articles that the Catalyst delivers every Thursday is a welcome change in our daily readings of the Wildcat. Yet it could be improved upon if the articles were thoroughly researched before inaccurate statements and assumptions were made.

Rocks and Ropes is a fantastic place to train and become introduced to the sport of rock climbing; however, anyone who has climbed will agree there is no substitute for the real thing.

Brian LaReau
Geosciences senior