My wife, Liz, and I are pleased to inform our friends in the Red of a new
free-access climbing area we are opening in the region. This beautiful little
valley is located about 5 miles from Torrent Falls and contains over four miles
of virgin cliff line. Our hopes are to see it develop into a combination nature
preserve and rock climbing area. In a couple weeks, we will be posting more
information and maps on this web site:
www.muirvalley.com.
The valley and its six adjoining branches are rimmed with rock walls and is
about 200 acres in size. There are four waterfalls and numerous caves. The
quantity and quality of rock is pretty much unknown, as we have had opportunity
to explore only about ten percent of the walls. Access is from on top -- an
uncommon approach in the Red.
We discovered, as did those who worked on the Murray land deal, that purchasing
land in this part of KY can be a real can of worms in getting clear title. It
seems that not only is everyone related to everyone else, but they also all own
a piece of this or that property. We were fortunate to obtain the services of a
great RRG rock climber and attorney, Grant Stephens, who patiently researched
this project over the last six months and created a proper deed.
At this time, we are in the early stages of deciding how best to proceed. In
general, we want to offer free access with as few “rules” as necessary.
Climbing, boldering, and hiking will be allowed. Motorized vehicles in the
valley bottom, hunting, and sport rappelling will not be permitted.
We hope to avoid problems of overbolting and poor route setting found in other
areas, such as Boulder Canyon. To do so, we ask that anyone wishing to set up a
route please contact us first with your ideas. We also ask that the RRGCC’s
“Guidelines for New Route Development” be followed.
Liz and I hope that Muir Valley will grow into a nice little climbing area that
you all can enjoy. We are two old geezer climbers who are pleased to offer free
access in appreciation for all the beta and kindnesses extended to us by young
climbers in the Red (like setting up topropes for us on those soft tens).
And, many thanks to Mark Meyer, Shannon Stuart-Smith, Terry Kindrid, Hugh
Loeffler, Blake Bowling, and Grant Stephens for their moral support and advice.
Rick Weber
**The best climber is the one who is having the most fun. -- Alex Lowe**
). Geezer is having trouble posting, and since I was unable to resolve his technical difficulty, he gave me permission to post this for him. THANK YOU RICK AND LIZ! Your generosity is truly beautiful.
