More than 10 million people in the United States are involved in climbing as a sport, according to 2020 statistics from Statista, which is the highest number of participants dating back to 2006.

The rescue of a 19-year-old male who was stranded climbing outside of Cody, highlights the most common type of climbing call and the resources available to prevent accidents in the rapidly growing sport.

Bill Brown, coordinator for search and rescue, said the number of climbing related rescues per year stays around two rescues, while more severe accidents can happen. Brown said stranded climbers are the most common climbing calls SAR receives.

The male rescued in September was soloing, a form of climbing done without a partner. The climber is secured by rope to the route through a rigging system. The man was attempting to solo a multi-pitch route. This is a route with several anchor points instead of one — typically they are much longer than traditional routes. Brown said it is not common to solo multi-pitch routes and not something he would recommend or do himself. 

“I don’t recommend it, there’s safety in numbers,” Brown said.

In order to stay safe on the rocks, Brown recommends getting as much education as possible and using a guide until the athlete feels confident, in addition to climbing in groups. 

Northwest College offers open wall climbing at Cabre Gym every Tuesday for $5 as well as climbing classes through the outdoor program. Interested climbers or those interested in climbing can contact DELTA at 307-754-6062 to talk about hosting educational classes. DELTA currently has a climbing trip scheduled for Oct. 15 open to all skill levels. Equipment will be provided and admission is $40.