Tucson is home to a large, zealous contingent of upwardly mobile athletes: rock climbers.
For a glimpse inside the climbing culture, we coaxed one avid climber, Braxton Norwood, 26, down from the cliffs long enough for a brief Q&A.
Why climb a rock?
"I like the problem-solving. Climbing tests mental capacity as well as physical capability. And it's conquering fear, which is something I really enjoy."
How often do you climb?
"I climb outside two or three times a month and in the gym two or three times a week."
Preference? Outdoors? Or climbing gym?
"My main focus is outdoor climbing. I prefer multipitch traditional routes (which require climbers to place their own anchors rather than relying on fixed protection points). On those routes, you can be pretty much assured of being alone, except for your partners."
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What are your favorite climbing areas in Southeastern Arizona?
"Cochise Stronghold (in the Dragoon Mountains east of Benson) is loaded with traditional climbing routes. I also like Rappel Rock on Mount Lemmon."
What scares you?
"What scares me is not conquering fear and not achieving my goals. To conquer fear, I try something that's a little beyond my ability. When I succeed, that expands my comfort range."
What's the most common misconception about climbing?
"People view it as something completely crazy and very dangerous. But if you take reasonable precautions and minimize risk, climbing is less dangerous than driving a car."
For more hiking stories, go to: go.azstarnet.com/trails.
