Continental Ranch

Continental Ranch- March 24th, 25th and 26 2023

The cost is $180.00 per person

We are proud to inform the climbing community that Austin Ascents has received a permit to climb at Continental Ranch. There are only a select few to receive this permit to climb here. The Ranch has climbs from 5.7 to 5.13 on sticky limestone.

The Continental Ranch is a privately owned property along the banks of the Pecos River in west Texas. The rock

is high-quality limestone.

Rock and Ice Magazine says the rock “has been compared to the fabled French cliffs at Ceuse.” While all established routes are single-pitch, the cliffs are uncharacteristically tall for rock in Texas, as some of the bluffs reach 300 feet in height. Route ratings range from 5.7 – 5.13 with many classic lines over the whole spectrum of difficulty. Several routes are long, bring 60 or 70-meter ropes and tie knots in the ends. There are very few clip-in sport anchors here and climbers should come prepared to build anchors then clean and rappel or be lowered. 

We will meet on Friday at 12:00 noon to show you know how to lead belay, lead climb, set up anchors, and clean anchors. 

The terrain on the ranch is extremely rugged and has seen very little human impact, giving the climbing here a remote and adventurous feel. This is adventure climbing at its finest.  Due to the fact that most land in Texas is privately owned, this is a rare opportunity for Texas climbers.

It is truly a gift to our climbing community that the ranch has opened its gates to climbers.

The Continental Ranch is a privately owned, four-generation, piece of property along the banks of the Pecos River and 15 miles northwest of Comstock, Texas. The rock along the Pecos Riverbanks is made up of limestone, of much higher quality than is found anywhere else in this area.

 The cliffs are uncharacteristically tall, however a single pitch. There is an excess of 200 established rock climbing routes with rating ranges from 5.7-5.13.

Rock climbing at the Continental Ranch has not been allowed for approximately 15 years, until with new-generation owners. Late owners, Marilyn and Howard Hunt first were approached by several geologists/climbers kayaking down the Pecos River mapping the topography of the cliffs. Prior to this time, no one ever studied the limestone quality and striations along the Pecos River. Several climbers including Jamie McNally and Scott Melcer, place a small fee in a designated box on the property. This continued for 5-6 years until ranch estate planning lawyers advised against it due to legal liabilities.

With a fresh approach, the ranch has now acquired both insurance and a proper business entity entitled Continental Ranch Pecos River Expeditions, LLC. Having the LLC in place allows the ranch to team up with other organizations that also have insurance, to pursue and provide several types of outdoor sports and recreation. Climbing here requires more planning than usual. This amazing climbing destination is remote and requires logistical planning to ensure a safe and successful experience. You need to be prepared personally and realize that following the rules of the landowner is critical to everyone’s safety and success.

This is a climbing trip A GUIDED TRIP. If you are going to participate you must meet the following prerequisites:

You will be required to pass a skills test on the first day. This included: Lead Belaying, Lead Climbing, Cleaning an Anchor. This will be for EVERYONE ATTENDING TO DO before you can go and climb on your own. 

1- Be able to lead climb, at a minimum 5.9, or be with others who can.

2- Be able to lead belay or be with others that can.

3- Have all your own climbing gear for sport and/or trad. (there are a few trad lines.)

4- The area is remote and has no/to minimal cell service.

5- Camping is primitive and you MUST be self-sufficient with camping gear, food, and water up to 1 gallon per person.

6- It is REQUIRED that you bring WAG BAGS or toilet bags to carry out your human waste. 

All fees cover your camping and permit charges for Austin Ascents to run this trip. Austin Ascents is donating 5% of its profit to the American Alpine Club and 5% to the Access Fund for all the work they do on access, trails, and camping. We are happy to support those who support us. Thank you