Cracking up
Local comedian chalks up to raise money for nonprofit the hard way 

The setting sun splashes hues of pink and gold on the monolithic walls of Indian Creek in Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah. Looking across the Martian landscape of this region puts one in awe. Here, local climber and stand-up comic Mike Largent and I had a chance to talk about his latest mission: to rally a community of the next generation of would-be climbers.

Going into “The Creek,” as regulars call it, can be an intimidating feeling. Climbing is demanding of both the mind and body. Dangling 80 feet above the ground connected to a rock by a small piece of metal known as “protection” can be a very powerful and very puckering experience. But it can also have moments of flow and Zen. Off-width crack climbing – cracks larger than the size of a fist – is exponentially more demanding and grueling, often requiring the climber to wedge his or her entire body within dark, dusty cracks in the rock. Not to mention it’s also scarier and mentally taxing as well, since the climbs are less protected by gear. 

This extra-demanding subculture of climbing is perhaps what first attracted Largent to his passion for off-width climbing, which he compared to seeing Batman in action. “I realized: One, off-width climbing is for superheroes; two, I am not a superhero; and three, I now really want to be a superhero,” he said.

Largent set off on his quest to become a climbing Batman, learning techniques and mastering movements. In May 2021, he became skilled enough to tackle 5,280 feet – that’s a full mile – while raising funds for The Hive, the local nonprofit youth and community resource center where yours truly is the creative director. In addition to its indoor skate park, The Hive offers programming, mentorships and experiences in art, music and other active youth pursuits.

This summer, Largent doubled down on his first mission, pledging to climb not 1 but 2 vertical miles of off-width, a total of 10,560 feet. Again, he’d be raising funds – $1 a foot for the first mile – with The Hive matching his funds for the second mile. 

To prepare, Largent trained all summer to get himself in peak condition to tackle the mission this October. To achieve this goal, Largent will climb about 20 days total, with days off for rest, at an average of 550 feet per day. “I’ll be climbing four days on, two days off to rest, rinse and repeat,” he said.

Astronomical in my mind, yet Largent is already on his way with 4,800 feet under his belt … or, should I say, climbing harness. Just shy of a mile, I asked how he was holding up. “Some stuff is bruised, some stuff is tender, and my fingers feel like they got held to a belt sander.”

I laugh, understanding the aches and pains of a handful of days spent climbing, but still can’t imagine how his body and head must feel after nearly a mile of vertical feet and with a mile to go.

He smiles and goes on to explain the mental game. “I’m actively trying to shut down the fear in order to climb a scary section by saying, ‘Shut up, we’re here, we’re doing this,’” he said.

But he’s not at it alone. Largent has had people offer belays, snacks and help carrying gear, as well as folks here in Durango who send inspirational messages or donations. “All of these are positive affirmations,” he said, “the positive push of the community.” Slowly but surely, Largent continues to push toward his goal of raising $10,560 for The Hive to inspire youth and other community members to follow their passions.

“Part of the motivation to stay climbing is seeing the work of others, and there’s plenty of that to get me through the days I just don’t want to,” he said.

So, as we see the vertical feet under Largent’s climbing shoes grow, let’s elevate him with support – whether by donating, holding the rope for him or providing fresh pump-up rap jams to keep him stoked. You can ride along with Largent’s journey as a climber, standup comic, community benefactor and all-around superhero by following him on Instagram at mike_largent or theatre_of_the_wild. You can also donate to his cause at thehivedgo.org and help fund his personal gear, as it is taking a lot of wear and tear, by visiting gofundme.com and searching “2 Miles of Off-Width.”

And, if you find yourself in the desert at sunset gazing at the beautifully monstrous walls and obelisks, singing Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose,” think of Largent squeezed into a crack somewhere.

“It’s quite cheesy, but the right flavor of cheese in the desert at sunset,” said Largent.