Climbers conquer Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in annual competition
Remember the thrill of climbing a jungle gym? Now imagine that multiplied exponentially across 630 rugged acres at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch (HCR) at Jasper, joined by 300 climbers. That’s the essence of Horseshoe Hell (HH) — a grueling, exhilarating climbing competition in the scenic mountains of the Buffalo National River area.
Global gathering
Climbing magazine rated HH as one of “the most difficult endurance events in the nation.” Outside magazine referred to it as “the wildest rock climbing event in the world.” Over the years, climbers from the far corners of North America, Australia and Europe have traveled to The Natural State to compete in this totally original experience. Alex Honnold, of the Academy-Award-winning movie “Free Solo,” has even been enticed to join in this one-of-a-kind adventure.
When Andy Chasteen first organized the competition in 2006, he had no idea that some of the world’s best climbers would participate in the event. The concept began innocently enough when he and a few of his buddies were climbing at HCR. One of them shared a thought, “I wonder how many routes a person could climb if they kept at it all day and all night.”
The seed was sown. After further discussion, they decided the event should be more than just a physical challenge. Their goal was to create an enjoyable, fun happening. A festival of like-minded individuals wanting to not only push their physical boundaries but also share camaraderie with fellow climbers.
Picking up on this “festive vibe,” competitors were showing up dressed in costumes. Wonder Woman, Batman and The Hulk became regulars, along with lean, muscular athletes attired in pink tutus and colorful wigs. At some point, a barber became a fixture. Setting up a chair in the open lawn, he trimmed the heads of willing individuals, leaving creative designs with the remaining hair. And then there is “Hell Ink.” Keepsake tattoos to commemorate the event. All in the spirit of the HH celebration.
HH has expanded over the years into a five-day festival, taking place from Sept. 24-28 this year. In keeping with Chasteen’s initial goal of offering something for everyone, in addition to the 24-hour challenge, there is a 12-hour competition, along with a Devil’s Disco bouldering event.
Throughout the event, meals are provided, along with fun games, a slip ‘n’ slide, music and opportunities for socializing with both old and new friends.
Climbers’ creed
The 12-hour HH and Devil’s Disco are both fun and challenging competitions; however, Friday’s 24-hour challenge is the premier event. On that morning, the levels of energy and adrenaline will be peaking as 300 athletes of all ages, dressed in costumes, wigs and colorful body paint, congregate in front of the Trading Post.
At the appropriate time, event director Jeremy Collins will climb onto the bed of a flatbed truck decked out as “Gordo the Great.” With a megaphone in hand, in loud, boisterous shouting, he leads the crowd in reciting the Climbers’ Creed, a light-hearted yet somewhat serious reminder that partners hold one another’s lives in their hands. Following this, at precisely 10 a.m., with a shotgun blast, 24 hours of Horseshoe Hell officially begins. With cheers and howling, teams of two climbers will begin to disperse across the canyon.
Early in the competition, climbers scramble up the vertical walls like geckos. The tempo slows as the hours drag on. As the setting sun drops below the ridge, darkness envelops the surroundings. Competitors’ circadian rhythm kicks in, and they must overcome the internal clock telling them to shut down. But they push on, knowing if they make it to sunrise, the adrenaline rush will carry them to the finish line.
“Honestly,” explains event director Collins, “climbing our best and trying hard is great, but connecting with like-minded people from all over the country is what brings people back.”
Even if you are not competing at HH, you can still join in the festivities by signing up as a volunteer or purchasing an event pass. Watching these world-class athletes scale sheer rock walls is truly a sight to behold.
When not watching the climbing competition, HCR offers a variety of other outdoor activities. First is the natural wonder of the canyon itself. It is comparable to formations seen in western mountain ranges. The horseshoe-shaped abyss is surrounded on three sides by 300- to 400-foot bluffs, with a half-mile open gap on the fourth side. There is nothing comparable to the setting east of the Rockies.
Other avenues for exploration include 20 miles of professionally constructed mountain bike trails that weave a path among house-sized boulder fields and across the valley floor. If you didn’t bring
your bike, rent one at the Trading Post. Their choices even include e-bikes.
For a true bird’s-eye view of the surroundings, HCR operates the longest zipline in Arkansas. For adventurers seeking a new experience, they offer two Via Ferrata courses, which combine hiking and climbing along secure routes, providing both excitement and safety. At day’s end, sit back and enjoy an evening of stargazing.
Visit twofourhell.com for more information.