Rock Risks Ignored

Rock climbing

Jump Creek Canyon southwest of Marsing, Idaho, has claimed the lives of two rock climbers in the past month.

The scenic canyon is a popular recreational site, but crumbling volcanic rock makes it unsafe for climbing, area Bureau of Land Management officials say. Five climbers have died there in five years.

Officials have talked about posting new warning signs, hiring a watchman or even using explosives to close the canyon for good.

Owyhee County Chief Deputy Sheriff Gary Aman said warning signs do little good because they are soon destroyed by vandals.