So, I've recently learned how to repel and let me just say it is way too fun. I decided to try and test this new skill out on an abandoned asylum with a single window that wasn't boarded up (the only possible entry point) and it was probably my favorite urbex experience to date. You guys ever tried anything like this?

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No, but that is pretty awesome.

That looks sweet. How'd you secure the rope?

Though I haven't really had the chance to repel during explorations myself, I know many explorers who frequent mines use repelling gear, like Abby Normal.

Posted by Ptasteful_Pteranodon That looks sweet. How'd you secure the rope?

At the top there was a concrete ventilation thing, I just set an anchor and said fuck it haha. Definitely would be looked down upon from my climbing buddies.

Posted by Aran Though I haven't really had the chance to repel during explorations myself, I know many explorers who frequent mines use repelling gear, like Abby Normal.

I have yet to find a local mine to explore, they look like a ton of fun though!

Posted by runningfigure8's I have yet to find a local mine to explore, they look like a ton of fun though!

Yeah, from what I've heard most of the good ones are in the rural Southwest, though Michigan's UP has no small number of abandoned copper mines and towns scattered across it too.

I had to *rappel in basic training, but never did it again for no particular reason. That was 26yrs ago..... I really dig draining, and just found public access to maps of my whole county. The plan is to hit major junctions, hoping for chambers, gates, and falls. If successful, rappelling may very well be a skill I will have to brush up on. Besides finding someone to call 911 when I plunge to my demise....

I love to rappel! Depending on the situation going over the edge can be a bit frightening but once I'm on rope it's lots of fun. For us being able to rappel down into a shaft, then climb back out is key to accessing difficult areas of the mines. Obviously we get to see things that most explorers don't.


Tony is dropping a winze about 100' deep.





We had to rappel down to this blockage, then squeak through the opening. The ladder went down about 20 feet followed by 30 with no ladder. Ropes are the only way in and out.





I'm climbing back out of a little exploratory shaft. This explore was a bit dicey since we couldn't find anything to tie the rope to. In the end we tied the rope around a rock, buried it, an added some rocks on top.




Have fun but be careful!

Abby Normal

Posted by Abby Normal I love to rappel! Abby Normal

SUPER jealous Ms. Normal! Someday, I want to travel route 66 from Chicago all the way down by you for the soul purpose of mines in NV, AZ, and NM. Unfortunately, by the time that trip comes to fruition, all the mines will likely be sealed....

When I was much younger I rappeled frequently off cliffs, towers, and a few times while caving. I injured one of my knees pretty severely doing so 20-some years ago but got back out there once I was able to hike again.

I stopped mainly because I moved away from everyone I would go with.

I sometimes mix rappelling with urbex - rarely out of necessity, but just to add to the fun.

I don't have ascending gear though, so it severely limits where you can go... I've had to pass up some really enticing looking holes ni the ground because I couldn't guarantee I'd be able to get back up!

Posted by The Viscount Andrew Dalton I sometimes mix rappelling with urbex - rarely out of necessity, but just to add to the fun. I don't have ascending gear though, so it severely limits where you can go... I've had to pass up some really enticing looking holes ni the ground because I couldn't guarantee I'd be able to get back up!

Ascending gear is definitely on the list of things to pick up.

Also, if someone is reading this in the Nor cal region I'd love to hit this spot again, PM me!! I'd love to meet some like minded individuals.