Rock climbing on Barn Bluff

• PHOTO: Barn Bluff rock climb

PHOTO: Barn Bluff rock climb
• PHOTO: Rock climbing with music

PHOTO: Rock climbing with music

Talk about it

The goal of the natural rock formation climber is to reach the summit or destination point.

It takes a lot of knowhow and determination to accomplish this feat. Many climbers from all around come to the old limestone quarry on Barn Bluff to attempt this.

It was a gorgeous early spring day, the temperature in the 60s. There were many groups of people trudging up the bluff’s paths to get to the abandoned limestone quarry high above the east end of Red Wing to find the perfect spot to place the ropes and start the ascent up the steep sides of Barn Bluff.

There were people from St. Paul, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and many other areas here to try their luck at one of the most popular climbing formations in the Mississippi River Valley.

All ages, both male and female, were searching the long stretch of pre-placed anchors that adorn the south and west sides of the scenic bluff for the climb that most suits their skill level.

One group I talked with was from Minneapolis, and they also would climb places like Taylors Falls, Willow River State Park, near River Falls or Black River Falls in Wisconsin.

They said they thought that Barn Bluff was the most challenging of all the spots in the area. They have also climbed Palisade Head, a 200-foot climb north of Silver Bay in northern Minnesota.

Another group had confided that many people from Minneapolis have called the Red Wing site a real “Hot Spot “ for them and many of their friends.

Others were from a St. Paul gym that had a rock climbing group that would also make the trek to Red Wing and also try their luck on the varying steep slopes of the bluff.

Interest in rock climbing has escalated in recent years, both from the Internet and from word of mouth.

If you are looking for a hobby that has many different challenges, then this may be the sport for you. I am told that it can become very addicting once you have it in your blood.

And it is right here in our backyard.

Tags: minnesota outdoors, barn, bluff, rock, climbing