As good as Roper was at writing and editing, he was also one heck of a climber whose résumé during the Golden Age of Yosemite put him amongst the best of his generation.
Originally published in Ascent, in 2012, under the title, "In the Name of Kor," Chris Kalous's classic feature dives into the notion of influence—specifically as it pertains to his obsession with one of climbing's original icons, Layton Kor.
The first ascent of Castleton Tower, the world's most iconic desert spire, went down 60 years ago. So what has changed—and what hasn't—since?
During the 1960s Ingalls and Layton Kor established many of the most difficult, dangerous, and classic routes in Colorado and Utah together. Ingalls is remembered for his tower climbing, with FA’s of Castleton Tower, the Titan, Standing Rock, and North Six Shooter.