Craig Fry
Craig Fry was one of Southern California’s top climbers and boulderers in the 70’s and 80’s. A very focused
and driven athlete, his power, confidence and ambition were a driving force and some of his first ascents are
among Joshua Tree’s best climbs.
His Southern California bouldering guide was an incredible achievement, and years ahead of the present bouldering craze. His bouldering skills and accomplishments are even more impressive, especially given that climbers of that time bouldered highball with no pads.
Always on the sharp end, he never shirked the hard pitch, the run-out or the dicey lead. Rarely failing or falling, his power and talent was awesome. He hiked fast, climbed fast and seemed to be more caffeinated than most. Here are some of Craig’s masterpiece climbs. Such a Savage 5.11a 1977, Black President 5.10 1984, Dangling Woo Li Master 5.10 1985, Poaching Big Horn 5.11b 1985, Caught Outside on a Big Set 5.10 1985, The Last Unicorn 5.11 1980.
Craig today still boulders and has a very extensive cactus collection.
Craig Fry History Update
Craig was the leader and instigator of the group that found the Queen Mt.
Area.
We had fully explored the wonderland (not really), and I decided that we
should explore this canyon that we found near Big Horn Dome that led into Queen
Mt
.
We found some Indian Caves, and then all the areas in the 20 minute area
(top area)
We went back the next day with Evans, and bunch of other hangers on, Al
Bartlett,
Jim A. and then found the 40 minute area the next week
Other areas that I found alone; Black President, Big Brown Eye, Big Horn
Mating Grotto, Disaster Dome, Arctic Circle Bouldering Area
In the 90s, Craig was mainly devoted to Ski Mountaineering, he telemark
skied the U-Notch, Dana Couloir, Bloody Couloir. Craig now does
bicycle
Mountaineering - cross-country biking (no trails), carry bike up Mt.s, and
ride cross county down on scree
Craig is an advanced cactus grower with ~1000 species in his collection,
mostly minuture succulents, he has won many awards in numerous cactus
shows. He also grows from seed and sells hard to find (grow) species. He
is also
an advanced mineral collector and has over 1000 fine gem crystals from around
the world
He has one son 11yrs old
Has been employed as a Senior Project Manager in the Emission Measurement
Environmental Field for 20 years, got many other climbers into the field
Still boulders, but mostly does long distance exploration hiking, and has
found many (10) new bouldering areas in last 10 years lives in Costa Mesa