Do bolts automatically equal sport climbing?
No, they definitely do not! Although, thats the most commonly used definition of sport climbing bolt protected thats not the only factor. Many trad routes are bolt protected, take for example at Stone Mountain in North Carolina and Tuolomne Meadows in California. For a climb to be a sport climb, it must be entirely bolt protected (you need carry nothing but quickdraws) and the fall potential must be reasonably safe. A well-bolted sport climb frees the climber to focus on the climbing and the difficulty without having to worry so much about protecting him or herself. A trad climb, on the other hand puts more responsibility for safety in the hands of the climber, either by requiring him or her to manage fall distances or place his or her own protection in the rock. Search for Stone Mountain, if youd like to read more on this.
