The ability to scale hundreds of feet of vertical rock utilizing the smallest of holds is an ability that is uniquely human. Rock climbing provides an incredible foundation from which to build resilience, courage, and simply have fun. Most of these photographs cover “Trad” (traditional) climbing, where temporary protection is placed by the climber that will then be removed after they make their climb. This is the purest form of climbing that still allows the security of a rope, and it allows climbers to turn a sheet of rock into a puzzle for both their brain and body. Knowing that I will never be as good at climbing as the people I photograph, I never really got into climbing purely for the sport factor. I gained interest in climbing due to it’s ability to provide me with skills I can hopefully use on bigger, more technical mountains someday. The friends its given me and the places its showed me are a pretty sweet bonus.