If you've ever climbed in or around Lake Tahoe, you're most likely familiar with the huge rock formation that in the past, has been a popular climbing spot. You're likely also familiar that it's been about a year since climbing was officially banned after "a decade of legal battles involving the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and the Access Fund, a Boulder, Colo.-based advocacy group for rock climbers."

To make a long story short, the Washoe Tribe won and climbing was banned. As such, the official removal of the climbing bolts has now begun, and looks to take about a month to complete, weather depending.

The debate between the two groups was a long and intense one, and according to reports, all centered around the following:

"According to Washoe lore, Cave Rock was a sacred place where tribal elders communed with powerful spirits...The Access Fund maintained the ban was unconstitutional because it gave a religious groupo exclusive control over public property. "

Nevertheless, climbing is now banned, so if you were a fan of Tahoe climbing, it's time to set your sights elsewhere.

(image via alpinist.com)

Labels: Cave Rock, climbing, Climbing Ban, Lake Tahoe