Information about Continental Ranch near Del Rio by Heather Gibbs
Rock Climbing on the Pecos River
Come sample the world-class sport climbing at the Continental Ranch along the Pecos River!!
The Continental Ranch is a privately owned, 4 generation, piece of property along the banks of the Pecos River and 15 miles northwest of Comstock, Texas. The rock along the Pecos River banks is made up of limestone, of much higher quality than is found anywhere else in this area. Rock and Ice magazine issue #132 and #142 compare the Continental Ranch cliffs to the “fabled French cliffs at Ceuse”. The cliffs are uncharacteristically tall, however a single pitch. There is an excess of 200 established rock climbing routes with ratings range from 5.7-5.13. (citied James Faerber)
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 every 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 who 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. Visiting with experienced and professional guides is one piece of the puzzle. You need to be prepared personally and realize that following the rules of the landowner is critical to everyone’s safety and success.
Currently the collaborators are: 1. Outpost Wilderness Adventures (OWA), James Faerber 512-731-7596 james@owa.com (climbing festivals Columbus Day weekend and MLK weekend) 2. Camp Eagle, Adam Betterton 830-683-3532 adam@campeagle.org (climbing and kayaking combination trips) 3. White Star Mountain Guides, Troy Wilson 512-655-9764, troy@wsmg.com, Seiji Ishii 512-784-2267 seiji@austinrockgym.com (climbing and rock art tours) 4. Rock-About, Adam Mitchell 512-415-0804 adam@rock-about.com (climbing trips) 5. The Access Fund, Brian Tickle, Texas Regional Director, brian@accessfund.org (assisted with risk management strategies that would allow climbing on the Continental Ranch).
Most importantly, I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Jamie McNally. If it wasn’t for him, climbing would still not be allowed on the Continental Ranch. He has stayed in contact with our family for many years, as the founding climber, and continued to remind us what a unique climbing opportunity we have here. He has guided me though this whole adventure and I can not thank him enough.
The Continental Ranch is also known for one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America known as Lewis Canyon Petroglyphs. Lewis Canyon has been documented by many archeologists and the Rock Art Foundation over many years. We are currently considering offering tours 2-4 times a year based on interest.
We are very interested in other outdoor activities and look forward too many “think-tank” opportunities. All recreational trips are primitive with no running water and electricity and with “pack in and pack out” requirements. “Take care of the land and it will take care of YOU’”
For more information, contact Heather and Miles Gibbs, Continental Ranch Pecos River Expeditions, LLC 830-734-2444 hgibbs2@hotmail.com
Rock Climbing on the Pecos River
Come sample the world-class sport climbing at the Continental Ranch along the Pecos River!!
The Continental Ranch is a privately owned, 4 generation, piece of property along the banks of the Pecos River and 15 miles northwest of Comstock, Texas. The rock along the Pecos River banks is made up of limestone, of much higher quality than is found anywhere else in this area. Rock and Ice magazine issue #132 and #142 compare the Continental Ranch cliffs to the “fabled French cliffs at Ceuse”. The cliffs are uncharacteristically tall, however a single pitch. There is an excess of 200 established rock climbing routes with ratings range from 5.7-5.13. (citied James Faerber)
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 every 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 who 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. Visiting with experienced and professional guides is one piece of the puzzle. You need to be prepared personally and realize that following the rules of the landowner is critical to everyone’s safety and success.
Currently the collaborators are: 1. Outpost Wilderness Adventures (OWA), James Faerber 512-731-7596 james@owa.com (climbing festivals Columbus Day weekend and MLK weekend) 2. Camp Eagle, Adam Betterton 830-683-3532 adam@campeagle.org (climbing and kayaking combination trips) 3. White Star Mountain Guides, Troy Wilson 512-655-9764, troy@wsmg.com, Seiji Ishii 512-784-2267 seiji@austinrockgym.com (climbing and rock art tours) 4. Rock-About, Adam Mitchell 512-415-0804 adam@rock-about.com (climbing trips) 5. The Access Fund, Brian Tickle, Texas Regional Director, brian@accessfund.org (assisted with risk management strategies that would allow climbing on the Continental Ranch).
Most importantly, I would like to give a HUGE thank you to Jamie McNally. If it wasn’t for him, climbing would still not be allowed on the Continental Ranch. He has stayed in contact with our family for many years, as the founding climber, and continued to remind us what a unique climbing opportunity we have here. He has guided me though this whole adventure and I can not thank him enough.
The Continental Ranch is also known for one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America known as Lewis Canyon Petroglyphs. Lewis Canyon has been documented by many archeologists and the Rock Art Foundation over many years. We are currently considering offering tours 2-4 times a year based on interest.
We are very interested in other outdoor activities and look forward too many “think-tank” opportunities. All recreational trips are primitive with no running water and electricity and with “pack in and pack out” requirements. “Take care of the land and it will take care of YOU’”
For more information, contact Heather and Miles Gibbs, Continental Ranch Pecos River Expeditions, LLC 830-734-2444 hgibbs2@hotmail.com