Access Fund Expands Climber Steward Program to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Climber Stewards help to educate and inspire visiting climbers on how to minimize their impact at one of the most beloved climbing destinations in the country.
BOULDER, Colo. (June 13, 2025) – Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for sustainable access and conservation of climbing landscapes, is expanding its Climber Steward Program to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Red Rock), just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Starting this October, Access Fund Climber Stewards will be on the ground, offering education on responsible recreation, cultural respect, and conservation best practices to thousands of climbers.
Red Rock is one of America’s most cherished climbing destinations, drawing thousands of climbers each year. Like many popular outdoor recreation areas, increased visitation has presented several challenges, including resource degradation and strain on infrastructure, compromising the natural environment and climber experience. The Climber Steward Program will deploy stewards in an effort to reduce that impact.
“This expansion is only possible because of support from our incredible members and partners, and deep collaboration with the Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition and Bureau of Land Management,” said Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund. “Our stewardship work is a tangible example of the climbing community’s commitment to protecting and conserving public lands. Together, we’re ensuring that Red Rock remains a beautiful landscape and world-class climbing destination for generations to come.”
“As a grassroots local affiliate of Access Fund, Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition (SNCC) benefits from national support and guidance, and enjoys a cooperative relationship with our local land managers at the BLM office for Red Rock,” said Annie Ashenfelter, SNCC’s Liaison to Land Managers (BLM). “SNCC has been energized by the collaborative spirit in our planning sessions for the Access Fund’s Climber Steward Program, and we are excited to see how local and visiting climbers can learn and grow as stewards of this land.”
Access Fund’s Climber Stewards are trained, paid staff who are on-site at popular climbing areas to provide visitors with information and resources to help them minimize their environmental impacts. The chief goal is education—connecting with climbers in the field, where outreach takes on a different dimension. Climber Stewards offer free morning coffee at trailheads, and visit crags throughout the day to connect with climbers. The Climber Steward Program currently serves the New River Gorge region in West Virginia, the Red River Gorge area in Kentucky, and Indian Creek, Utah.
The launch of the Red Rock program comes at a pivotal time, as Access Fund’s stewardship efforts continue to scale to meet the needs of the growing climbing community and reduced federal funding. To further support this work, Access Fund invites the public to learn more and make a secure donation at www.accessfund.org/donate.
About Access Fund
Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff have more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and have permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country, establishing climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.
