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Cairn

Definition of a Climbing Word

By Stewart Green, About.com

A tall cairn marks the start of the trail up to Bridger Jack Mesa at Indian Creek, Utah.

Photograph © Stewart M. Green

Cairn

A pile of rocks, usually layered by size with largest on the bottom and smallest on top, that marks a trail or is erected atop a summit. The word derives from the old Gaelic word carn.

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