Colorado State University’s Climbing Adventure at Duncan’s Ridge

On Friday, September 20th, Andrew and I hosted our first National Park Trust outing at Duncan’s Ridge in Fort Collins, Colorado. There, we led 15 fraternity brothers on an outdoor recreation excursion to go rock climbing. We chose this location because of the close proximity to town and the accessible anchors for ease of setting up top-rope climbs. We also chose this spot because of the public lands we were on, and we could see Rocky Mountain National Park in the distance.

At the start, we explained and demonstrated how to belay and how to tie a figure-eight knot to ensure the safety of the climbers. For most of the participants, it was their first time climbing outside, so they were extra excited and encouraged each other throughout the climbs. They had three climbs to choose from, each ranging in difficulty, making it fun for the fraternity brothers.

We felt that the outing went super well and that the participants learned something since we were able to let them take the reins on belaying and tying in by the first hour. Many expressed wanting to pursue climbing further and that this trip inspired them. We loved to see the brothers supporting and teaching each other as well. One stand-out moment was how everyone cheered for the first person to make it up the hardest climb. Overall, everyone had a good time, and the trip went smoothly.