Motherlode, The

Area description: The term Mother Lode typically means: a principle or large source of ore. The superstition mountains certainly has its share of mining history, including placer mining, and the well-known search for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Many have spent lifetimes searching for the elusive and warm yellow-orange glow of gold. Few have found it, and some have found only heartache, or even death. Climbers of Arizona, and in particular the Superstition Mountains, have also sought riches of their own. In doing so they too have exposed themselves to risks in the expanse of canyons, arroyos, and devilishly crafted rock walls. Another, lesser used definition of Mother Lode applies here: a rich source of something.

This Mother Lode certainly provides a rich source of something, for those who value adventure, wilderness, and the bare-naked soul of an entombed supervolcano - thinly veiled in the angry flesh of desert. Climbers here don't always fit in with their peers, often finding solace in the unknown, not just tolerating the hazards and uncertainty but thriving in it. A day here is one filled with hard work, mind numbing vistas, sweat, blood, and a beauty only exposed with your fist and your heart deeply entwined in its hard, unrelenting core. This area was explored, and the routes established, when a few people became entranced by its allure, not unlike the lure of gold. It is a traditional climbing area. The rock is unique for the area, and while loose and dirty rock exists it is the exception, not the rule. Besides, if you were on perfect rock you'd forget you were in the Superstitions! Due to the northern exposure and frequency of water dripping down its face the rock has a rough, hardened surface. This area also tends to possess many pockets, and the cracks are often inconsistent in size, making offset cams and passive protection very useful. Routes here were primarily developed ground up, with only a few, hand drilled bolts when necessary.