Please click here to download printable PDF file for bolting guidelines

Fees and Admission
Rules and Regulations
Maps and Directions
Safety
Water
Road Conditions
Emergency Phone Numbers
Setting New Climbing Routes
Other Beta

Admission and Fees

• See Fees and Reservations for access procedures
• $15/day per person. Cash Only.
• All guests must sign a waiver.

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Rules and Regulations

• Close all gates after you pass through them.
• Do not lock front gate through latch ring, put chain through gate structure.
• Drive slowly and carefully-20mph max! Livestock are easy to hit. If you hit livestock you will be charged $100 for the loss of property.
• Do not carve graffiti into rock.
• Do not litter, leave cigarette buttes, or trash ANYWHERE.
• Do not bother livestock or wildlife.
• NO fishing upstream from the Weir Dam.
• Keep dogs on a leash. Dogs will require special attention, as there is low lying cactus, porcupines, and some crag approaches are 3rd class or a ladder.
• Use only designated roads and parking areas.
• Climb only in designated climbing/bouldering areas.
• Camp only in designated camping areas. Click here for directions to camping area.
• Tents are nearly impossible to stake due to rocky soil. If you do not possess a freestanding tent, then bring cord to use rocks to stabilize. High winds are common - weight your tent!
• Use only existing fire rings/pits. If you desire a fire bring your own firewood as there is little to collect in this region. Be careful with windy conditions and extinguish when finished. Don’t leave fires unattended.
• Do not disturb or remove any archeological artifacts. Leave them where you find them.
• Do not leave any trash anywhere, including cigarette butts. Leave a clean campsite.

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Maps and Directions

Vicinity Map
Map of The Ranch
Directions to Camping and Climbing

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Safety

• Medical attention is at least 2 hours away from crags. Be safe and aware at all times. A serious accident here could prove fatal.
• In warm weather be sure to replace electrolytes, and do not get over heated. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a serious threat.

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Water

• Bring your own water! There is no potable water source at the crags or camping.
• Treating river water is not recommended due to its high mineral flavor, but is a possible source.
• Emergency water is available at the small barn at mile 4 on the road log in. Treat this water if consuming! There is also a faucet at the ranch house. Do not use these sources unless absolutely necessary. Bring your own water!

Road Conditions
At present a vehicle with some ground clearance is recommended. A light duty truck should have no problems. Sedans may bottom out. Important to bring a full size spare tire, doughnuts are useless on these roads.

Emergency Phone Numbers

• Val Verde County Sheriff: (830) 774-7513
• Val Verde Medical Center: 830) 775-8566

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Setting New Climbing Routes

• All new routes need to be installed by experienced and knowledgeable route setters. You must read and understand the Continental Ranch Bolting Guidelines before installing any route. Routes will be reviewed by the Continental Ranch Bolting Committee. Failure to bolt safe ethical routes will be subject to the removal or altering of the route.
• Use only quality hardware manufactured by reputable companies. No homemade hardware. Use 1/2" expansion bolts. Top anchors should have 3/8" quicklinks with 3/8" chains, or use Fixe Ring Anchors.
• Please do not bolt any route that is SAFELY trad protectable. Please install Rap anchors on trad routes.
• No obscene or offensive route names.
• Once route is approved, installed, and opened, please inform committee of its name, rating, and first ascent so that it may be entered into the next guide.

Other Beta

• Trad routes all have rap anchors. Recommend Cams and TriCams for trad routes.
• A 60 meter rope is helpful for the 100 foot routes.
• Weir dam area is best accessed from the east at the trailhead above the Planetarium. The access at the Weir dam trailhead is by a long ladder at the dam, or better to rappel in from the route called "Straight Arrow" located in a low angle dihedral. Keep this in mind if you have a dog.