We don't know what's in the mountain air, but for the second time in just a few weeks, allegations of wrongdoing have broken out in the climbing world.

Earlier this month, Sir Edmund Hillary openly criticized climbers and tour guides for letting a man die on Mount Everest. Now questions have arisen as to whether Utah's fabled Delicate Arch was damaged by a recent climb. For those of you unfamiliar with the rock formation, it is located near Moab, in Arches National Park, and can be found on Utah license plates. It is a very famous and well photographed rock formation.


Park regulations ask that climbers from scaling unique formations that have been named. Since there is not an explicit regulation against climbing the rock, Dean Potter decided to attempt a "clean climb", which is not suppose to damage any rocks. However, when Outside Magazine sent a reporter and photographer to the rock, they found rope damage that allegedly did not exist before Potter's climb.

Potter claims the damage was caused by other, unnamed climbers. Potter's sponsor, Patagonia wants him to apologize. Outside Magazine is sticking by it's story.

We don't know what the truth is, but are shocked and saddened that someone would be so selfish as to even risk damaging such a unique formation as Delicate Arch. We've seen the Arch and would like to think that generations after us would be able to enjoy its beauty.

NPR broadcast an interview with Potter yesterday on All Things Considered.
Outside Magazine's article on the damage is available on its web site.