Forget Ghosts. This Scary Story Is a Climber’s Worst Nightmare.
A terrifying tale for your next campfire, involving a desert first ascent that almost ended very badly
Author
Ben Rueck
Ben Rueck (he/him) is a professional climber and gym owner at Grip Bouldering. He has traveled the world exploring new walls, establishing first ascents in Madagascar, China, and Yosemite.
My Stories
Is Your Projecting Toxic?
Our case for low-stakes sending
Don’t Fall for the Training Trap
Why most of us shouldn't try to train like Janja Garnbret—or your favorite YouTuber.
Why You Should Always Climb With a Partner Willing to Spit On You
Weird ways to free stuck limbs, cams, or other oddities in your time of crisis
I Climbed One Grade Harder and Now I’m Insufferable
Advancing your climbing? Don't get too caught up in the numbers.
Thinking of Climbing El Cap as Your First Big Wall? I Wouldn’t.
An op-ed on why it's better to go (relatively) small on your first big wall
I Run a Climbing Gym. Here’s Why I Tell People to Climb Outside More.
An op-ed on why pulling on plastic has its shortfalls. Here's what I recommend doing instead.
My Mentor Taught Me Something Invaluable on The Diamond. But the Lesson Didn’t Come Easy.
What my big wall mentor—and my arrogance—taught me on ‘Hearts and Arrows’ (5.12b) in 2012
Five Tips for Expanding Your Comfort Zone
When your comfort zone is pushed, you become more curious, more adventurous, more dynamic—a better climber.