Sam’s Throne

Long before the development of Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, there was Sam’s Throne–the most developed and sent spot in Arkansas. Since the development of HCR, Sam’s still remains a favorite of many climbers, especially those who utilize trad gear, because of the free camping, zero fees, variety of route options and less people.

How did Sam’s Throne get its name? The history of Sam’s Throne dates back to the late 1800s when a man by the name of Sam Davis settled in the Mt. Judea area. Sam and his family lived in the hills, but he was driven to near insanity when his son was supposedly killed by a band of bootleggers. He began spending many days preaching from the top of what is now known as ‘The Throne Proper.’ Other Mt. Judea  residents began to think the crazed man was guarding treasure hidden atop The Throne and spent a good amount of time looking for it after his disappearance. He was last seen looking for his son’s murderers, but his infamy will forever live on through the name Sam’s Throne. -(Fennel, 2009)

The mid-seventies was the start of many of the classic moderates being routed (much is undocumented), but in the mid-eighties the commitment level of documenting routes rose dramatically, all with a strict “no bolts” policy. In the late-eighties, sport climbing was in full force across most of the United States; inevitably it finally hit the virgin rock of Sam’s with the first sport route (Blind in Both Eyes, 5.11a) and bolted routes continued to pop up throughout the nineties.

To gain access to these routes, there are a few options for approaches:
Dog Walk-This is the least technical way is gives easy access to The Outback and West Main Bluff. It is marked with a blue blaze.
The Ramp-The fastest way to get to The Throne and a 50 foot rappel is required.
The Catacombs-The fastest approach to the East Main Bluff that requires a chimney descent.
Hero Maker Approach-Leaves from the Horse Trail parking and is only used generally to access the Hero Maker area.

Below are photo/video gallery links to climbers sending some of these routes: