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.

“This is his escape. He loves the feeling of freedom.” — Becky (Ron’s wife)

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.

I met Ron today at the chasm. Ron was doing an impressive climb! He was so friendly and his passion for climbing and Purgatory Chasm were inspiring! Ron clearly takes safety very seriously and even looks out for others and supports putting safety protocols in place to help prevent injuries. I hope Ron can keep climbing and continue his mission to keep the chasm available and safe for all! It was an absolute joy to meet him and learn more about the area and safe climbing! #letRonclimb

Rachael Shared with permission

I’ve worked a good number of years with Ron and think y’all might want to listen to Ron’s requests. Rock climbing is his passion and he clearly is very knowledgeable about it. If nothing more, please permit him to continue climbing there!

Jim Mason Shared with permission

I’ve seen Ron with my kids numerous times he takes time to talk about safety his love of climbing and the chasm, he’s an inspiration and should be allowed to model safe climbing in the chasm

Nick Bernat Shared with permission

My girlfriend and I met Ron on a hike and he gave us some really cool information on the climbs! I could tell he is extremely knowledgeable and truly has a passion for purgatory and climbing. I personally witnessed all of the safety precautions Ron takes and think climbing should absolutely be allowed while following the correct safety measures!

Tristan D Shared with permission

I met Ron one lovely day when I was walking with my family, he seemed like a great guy and was truly passionate about climbing at Purgatory. I love that he has that as an opportunity to stay active and happy outside in nature. Let Ron keep climbing I say!

Ben Shared with permission

I had the pleasure of meeting Ron today at the Chasm. He is passionate about the park and climbing safely without harming others.

Leslie Curran Shared with permission

We loved meeting Ron today in the chasm and watched him complete a climb!

Quinn Doherty Shared with permission

Let Ron continue to climb in the place he loves and respects. If there's no preservation reason for closing the area down, then DON'T. If it's a matter of there being too many people climbing and the area getting ruined, wildlife being displaced, and/or rocks coming loose and causing safety hazards, then fix the hazards or make a limit for how many people can climb at one time or impose littering fees! There are things to be done that don't involve closing public spaces where people can go for exercise, socialization, and to just get out in nature and enjoy the world.

Robin & Darren Blomme Shared with permission

My husband and I have been going to Purgatory Chasm since we were kids. We are both in our 70s, and we still go there to this day.

Ron has become an excellent rock climber, and climbing is his preferred exercise. He truly enjoys it. Taking that away from him would be very disappointing. It is his escape, and he loves the feeling of freedom.

It would be a big letdown if climbing is no longer allowed in the future. Let Ron climb. It is his passion and his entertainment. We all have our favorite things in life.

Becky (Ron’s wife) Shared with permission

This is what Ron loves to do! Don't take it away, make some rules and regulations to keep purgatory open to climbing.

MATT Shared with permission

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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