Independence Pass has long been a very active climbing area. The first routes were put up in the late 1950's, and are now over 35 years old. During the 60's (and 70's) Harvey T. Carter was responsible for an amazing number of new routes throughout the area. In the 70's, a number of well known climbers were active on the pass putting up new lines and freeing old aid lines. Activity during this period was brisk and many of the routes were on the cutting edge of difficulty for the time. The 80's saw a decrease in activity, as most of the lines which accepted natrual pro or even pins, had already been plucked. In the late 80's, however, yet another transformation in climbing on the pass occurred, as it did throughout the country. With the advent of the cordless drill and better bolts, the previously blank faces on the area crags now became possible. Today, new route activity is as rapid as ever...

Excerpt from "Heinous Cling: A Climbers Guide to Independence Pass", courtesy Andre Wille