The Art of Climbing Route Development | Mesa News

Mesa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 26, 2026 · 1m

Aaron Collins, a combat veteran turned mountain guide, spends his own money to bolt and create new climbing routes across Arizona’s cliffs—turning blank rock faces into thrilling adventures for climbers. This passion project, driven by creativity and personal legacy, lets him name routes after fallen soldiers and loved ones, blending art, memory, and adrenaline. While his work expands access and inspires the climbing community, it also sparks debate over ethics and landscape alteration. Collins’ dedication—like installing nine bolts in one day, only to see climbers tackle his routes that same…