GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — One of the world's best known mountaineers, Sir Chris Bonington of Great Britain, travels yearly to Grand Junction to climb mountains and canyon walls with his friend Paul Ross of Palisade.

“We always look for first ascents (being the first person to reach a summit),” Ross said. “Sometimes, we do known climbs.”

Bonington will be featured at Mesa State College's Outdoor Program Wednesday Night Wandering, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Bonington, 75, will talk about his discovery of rock climbing, various expeditions he's led, and first ascents worldwide.

“He is well-known in Europe,” said Ross, formerly of England and a friend of Bonington's since 1958. “He was knighted by the Queen for his mountaineering service.

“He lectures all over the world, normally to several thousand people.”

Bonington has accomplished 20 first ascents. His historic ascent of the Ogre in Pakistan with Doug Scott in 1977, was repeated in 2002 after 20 attempts.

After Wednesday's presentation, Ross and Bonington will head to Utah's San Rafael Swell — an area of 2,000 square miles of narrow canyons, scenic cliffs and towering buttes.

“The reason I came from Britain to reside in this area, there is so much unclimbed rocks in the desert,” Ross said. “Europe is pretty much climbed out.”

It's just forever here, Ross said.

Bonington will talk about early Himalayan climbs to Annapurna II and Nuptse in the early 1960s when Nepal was still undeveloped.

“It will be a very good lecture,” Ross said.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.

Go & Do What: “I Choose to Climb” by rock climber Sir Chris What: "I Choose to Climb" by rock climber Chris Bonington — a “Wednesday Night Wandering” presentation of the Mesa State College Outdoor Program When: Today, Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m. Where: Mesa State College Recital Hall, Moss Performing Arts Center Cost: Free Info: 248-1428; www.mesastate.edu/op