Brent Barghahn

ABOUT ME:

I am a Flagstaff, Arizona based climber excited by traditional climbs, big walls, and first ascents. Rope soloing also seems to be a recurring theme in my most formative climbs. I search for the joy of airy positions and the feeling of control under pressure. The coolest aspect of climbing to me is the improbability of it all - whether improbable moves or improbable positions. 
 
I find myself to be a hyper-local - enjoying the intimate knowledge of an often visited area over the exploring afar. 

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Aug 2018 | Rope Solo ascent of the Nose in a Day over 18 hours and 30 minutes (all pitches roped up, with no free soloing)
Aug 2019 | FFA American Way 5.13a 3000’, Pik Slesova, Kyrgyzstan
Nov 2019 | Ground up free ascent of “Golden Gate” 5.13a on El Cap over six days 
Mar 2020 | Onsight ascent of Ecstacy 5.13b (tick free and hanging the draws) a notoriously blank and technical arete in Pine Creek Canyon, CA
Jun 2020 | FA after bolting and cleaning of Iridescence the first 5.14 route on the granite of Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT
May 2021 | Ground-up Redpoint Rope Solo of Father Time 5.13b 2000' in Yosemite over 5 days

Q+A:

Who is your favorite climbing partner? 

My brother Billy - over the years our lives have continually overlapped despite living in different cities. We independently got into climbing, but have found ourselves with similar interests within it. Out of all the places we could have ended up in life, it feels very special to go up on El Capitan sharing a rope and an adventure together! 

What is your go to hype song?

Radio Edit by Sweatshop union

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

The TC Pro, as an aspirant multipitch climber back in the flatlands of Minnesota!

Which charity/advocacy organizations do you support or belong to?

I volunteer at CoCo-Op, a local makerspace here in Flagstaff. The organization houses a community woodshop, welding shop, and general workspace for creative pursuits. I love to teach classes, fix machines, and participate on the board of directors as an outlet for my engineering background.

APE INDEX:

+1”

Bio and banner photos: © Andy Earl