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To add to the other comments, there are also camouflaged bolts and hangers which are popular (and even required) in some areas. Climbers in general care a lot

To add to the other comments, there are also camouflaged bolts and hangers which are popular (and even required) in some areas. Climbers in general care a lot about the places they climb, and often tend to them as well or better than many other groups. There are organized cleanups and trail management and self-policing, and relations between land managers and climbers are usually OK, with climbers willing to cooperate with access restrictions for the benefit of an area (with the notable exception of Hueco Tanks and probably a couple other places). If someone unnecessarily bolts a route, they can usually expect to hear about it from other climbers, and the bolts might even be removed. Given that casual observers often don't even realize the bolts are there, climbers really do fuss a lot over relatively little impact. Of course, like any other group, climbing has some jerks too. (But proportionately less than many other groups.)

sandworm 12y ago
It depends on the route. Place bolts beside a crack to facilitate sport climbing and you should expect the hangars to be bashed flat (pulling out the actual bolt is often very difficult). I've participated in this myself. And before anyone screams, the debate on "fixed protection" is something best left to experienced local climbers. Every climbing area has their own traditions on the subject. The first rule is most always: Don't change the nature of the route to suit your climbing style. Respect those who setup the route before you. Putting new metal on an existing route, camo or not, is akin to spray-painting a Rembrandt. Replacement of old/weak hardware is a different matter. Absent immediate safety, this should still be left to experienced locals.
- thaumaturgy 12y ago
  FWIW, I appreciate you doing that. People taking the time out to self-police the community is part of what makes it pretty great overall, which helps keep access open for everyone.

sandworm 12y ago

It depends on the route. Place bolts beside a crack to facilitate sport climbing and you should expect the hangars to be bashed flat (pulling out the actual bolt is often very difficult). I've participated in this myself. And before anyone screams, the debate on "fixed protection" is something best left to experienced local climbers. Every climbing area has their own traditions on the subject. The first rule is most always: Don't change the nature of the route to suit your climbing style. Respect those who setup the route before you. Putting new metal on an existing route, camo or not, is akin to spray-painting a Rembrandt. Replacement of old/weak hardware is a different matter. Absent immediate safety, this should still be left to experienced locals.

thaumaturgy 12y ago
FWIW, I appreciate you doing that. People taking the time out to self-police the community is part of what makes it pretty great overall, which helps keep access open for everyone.