A love letter to Purgatory Chasm

Let Ron Climb.

For 34 years, Ron has climbed at Purgatory Chasm. At 74, it is still where he stays active, grounded, and connected to his passion for rock climbing.

Share a Purgatory memory Read the request

This page is a respectful request to preserve safe, permitted climbing access. We support safety, stewardship, and the rangers who care for the park.

34 years
on the rocks

Ron always uses climbing gear!

Meet Ron

Ron is a 74-year-old climber from Auburn, Massachusetts. He has been climbing at Purgatory Chasm for more than three decades, and the chasm has become part of his family’s story.

✓ He climbs with safety gear and checks his ropes carefully.
✓ He has helped visitors who were stuck or in danger.
✓ He alerts park staff about hazards like broken glass or graffiti.
✓ He treats Purgatory Chasm like a place worth protecting.

🕷️

No spiders were harmed during this climb.

Ron is careful with more than ropes. He watches out for the little spiders who live on the rocks, waits for them to move aside, and lets them return to their spots after he passes.

“He's a simple guy who just wants to climb.” — The family behind Let Ron Climb

Why Purgatory Chasm matters

Purgatory Chasm means a lot to Ron. It is close to home, familiar, and manageable for him at 74. He knows the rocks, the approach, and how to climb there safely. Ron jokes that Purgatory is “the nursing home of climbs” because the climbing spots are easy to reach, the approaches are short, and the climbs are manageable for senior climbers who still want to stay active and keep doing what they love.

💚

It keeps him active

Climbing is one of Ron’s main forms of exercise and one of the ways he keeps moving, strong, and connected to the outdoors.

🧗

It is his passion

Ron has loved climbing for decades. Anyone who knows him knows that climbing is woven into who he is.

🌲

He cares for the park

Responsible regulars can be part of a park’s safety and stewardship culture, helping notice hazards and protect the place they love.

A safe path forward

We recently learned that climbing access at Purgatory Chasm may change after this year. Before climbing access ends, we are respectfully asking the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to consider options that balance safety, stewardship, and tradition.

Annual climbing permits Safety gear requirements Ranger check-in process Seasonal or time-based restrictions Volunteer cleanup partnership Clear posted safety rules

Share a memory

Did you grow up exploring Purgatory Chasm? Has Ron helped you there? Do you have a family memory, climbing story, or reason you believe safe climbing access should continue? We would love to hear it.

Stories from the chasm

These memories are shared by people who know Ron, love Purgatory Chasm, or believe there is value in preserving safe, respectful climbing access. Together, these stories show how much Purgatory Chasm means to the people who know and love it.

Stories may be lightly edited for spelling, punctuation, length, and readability while keeping the writer’s original meaning.

Ron was so cool!!! Let him climb!!!! Inspiring!

Caitlyn Shared with permission

We loved taking our family to Purgatory Park. It’s walkable and has interesting formations. I support climbing permits.

Anna Shared with permission

I know Ron because I married his son haha! We went on many trips to Purgatory, it’s Ron’s favorite place. He is proud of how he keeps his equipment clean and in check, and he is always willing to help someone or teach them about climbing.

He is one of the nicest guys I know. Please don’t take away his lifetime love of climbing there!

Danielle C. Shared with permission

Purgatory Chasm was such an integral part of my childhood. We went there regularly for cookouts and scrambling around the rocks. When my Dad discovered a love and passion for rock climbing, he was sure to teach everyone in the family how to climb. If you ever want to know anything about rock climbing, ask my Dad!

Ron’s daughter Shared with permission

My uncle Ron’s passion for climbing has helped keep him young. He takes safety seriously and is always careful with his ropes, harnesses, helmet, glasses, and climbing gear. He checks everything before he climbs and is willing to teach others about using the proper equipment and following the rules.

Taking away Ron’s ability to climb at Purgatory Chasm would be like taking a flying license away from a pilot who has flown safely for more than 30 years. This is his passion and something he truly enjoys.

Please let Ronald climb. Experienced climbers who follow the rules, use proper safety gear, and respect the park should be allowed to continue climbing at Purgatory Chasm.

Timothy Briggs Ron’s nephew (passionate weather watcher) Lightly edited for clarity · Shared with permission

Help us keep this kind.

This is not a protest against rangers or park staff. It is a loving request to explore a safe, reasonable way for responsible climbers like Ron to continue climbing at the chasm they have loved and cared for.

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