JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton Climbers’ Coalition (TCC) has launched a community audit of Rock Springs Buttress as part of its Climbing Area Modernization (CAM) Project, which was established in 2022.
The Rock Springs Buttress is located on Bridger-Teton National Forest land, just south of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. According to TCC’s website, Rock Springs Buttress, which hosts more than 70 routes, is a 1,000-foot wall that has become a popular destination in the area for multi-pitch climbs.
“Development since the early 2000s has produced a mix of trad, mixed and alpine sport routes — some now approaching two decades old,” TCC wrote in a blog post.
Concerns about loose bolts and anchors arose during TCC inspections of the area earlier in the summer. Abandoned equipment and trail erosion were also found. In July, over half the bolts on Birthday Suit required tightening, and climbers reported being able to turn bolts by hand on Do It for Doug.
As described on the TCC website, the purpose of the CAM Project is to inspect, repair and replace old climbing hardware; reduce environmental impacts at climbing sites; and engage the climbing community in stewardship efforts.
The Rock Springs audit is intended to establish a baseline evaluation of the hardware and to identify and perform any necessary upkeep and replacements. TCC also plans to assess the area’s “environmental integrity.”
Local climbers are invited to participate by inspecting routes and photographing suspicious hardware. They can then document any observations in TCC’s shared Google spreadsheet, found on its website. Climbers are also asked to pack out garbage and abandoned gear, and to take note of any stewardship concerns in the area.
“Rock Springs Buttress is one of the crown jewels of climbing in the Tetons,” TCC Executive Director Christian Beckwith said via blog post. “With help from the climbing community, we can keep it safe, sustainable, and accessible for years to come.”
