WARNING: Climbing is inherently dangerous and requires the careful assessment and acceptance of risk. No single resource contains a full description of all the knowledge needed for indoor and/or outdoor climbing. It is up to you to decide if you have the appropriate experience, gear, ability, and knowledge to climb different terrain both indoors and outdoors. This resource guide is intended as a reference tool to learn more about climbing, outdoor climbing areas, and the greater climbing community. It is not an instruction manual.
Climbing Advocacy Groups:
These are groups you can become members of or follow on social media to learn about issues in the climbing community, help advocate for climbing access, as well as be a part of climbing cleanups, activity groups, and trail work.
C.R.A.G.S.:
https://norcalcrags.org
Access Fund:
https://www.accessfund.org
American Alpine Club:
https://americanalpineclub.org
Bishop Climbing Rangers:
https://sierraforever.org/climbing-rangers/
https://www.instagram.com/bishopclimbingrangers/?hl=en
Yosemite Climbing Association:
https://www.yosemiteclimbing.org
Tahoe Climbing Coalition:
https://www.tahoeclimbingcoalition.org
Bay Area Climbers Coalition:
https://bayareaclimberscoalition.org
Joshua Tree Climbing Rangers:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/climberscoffee.htm
https://www.instagram.com/joshuatreefriends/
Climbing Area Rules and Regulations:
These resources will help you be a more responsible user of public lands, aware of what is required of climbers to maintain access to our climbing areas, and help create a more enjoyable experience for all people recreating in climbing areas. Additionally, you will find resources such as maps, campsites near climbing, and fire regulations.
Guidebooks:
https://www.wolverinepublishing.com/shop-all-guidebooks
http://falcon.com/books/category/Climbing
http://www.supertopo.com/topostore.html
https://www.laketahoebouldering.com/guide/about/
Mountain Project:
https://www.mountainproject.com
Leave No Trace:
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Forest Service Outdoor Ethics:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tahoe/learning/safety-ethics
El Dorado National Forest (Hwy 50 corridor):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/eldorado/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5290734&width=full
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/eldorado/recreation
Tahoe National Forest (Hwy 80 corridor):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/tahoe/recreation
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tahoe/maps-pubs
Wilderness Areas (such as Desolation Wilderness):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/specialplaces/?cid=STELPRD3798553
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ltbmu/recarea/?recid=11786
Stanislaus, Sierra, and Inyo National Forest (surrounding Bishop and
Yosemite areas):
https://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus
https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra
https://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo
Bureau of Land management Camping and Climbing Regulations:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation
Yosemite NPS Rules and Regulations:
https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing.htm
Joshua Tree NPS Rules and Regulations:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/climbing.htm
Raptor Closures:
(Always check for raptor closure signs and online info using the resources above and DO NOT
climb if there is a raptor closure.)
Not All Rocks Should Be Climbed:
Climbers have a long and sordid history of climbing in sacred areas that they have been asked not to climb by the people indigenous to that land. Please do not be like those climbers and show respect for indigenous people and their culture. A little research goes a long way in ensuring you are a visitor that treats the land and its people with respect. A few resources for indigenous advocacy groups in popular climbing areas are listed below, as are some cultural resource centers and sites that can be helpful in finding out where is appropriate to climb. Consider making a purchase at, or donating to, an indigenous organization while on their land and/or visiting a cultural center.
Payahuunadü (Bishop/ Owens Valley) area:
(pronounced pie-ah-who-nah-do and meaning the place of flowing water)
https://www.bishoppaiutetribe.com/owens-valley-paiute-shoshone-cultural-center/
https://www.flashfoxy.com/climbing-fest/bishop-paiute-tribe
https://www.instagram.com/indigenouswomenhike/?hl=en
Tahoe Area:
https://washoetribe.us/aboutpage/4-Page-washoe-history
https://visitlaketahoe.com/attractions/the-washoe-tribe-and-their-history-around-lake-tahoe/
https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106917580/cave-rock-closed
Ahwhanee (Yosemite) Area:
(pronounced Ah-wan-knee and meaning open or large mouth)
https://www.yoscommunity.com/associatedtribes
https://www.southernsierramiwuknation.org/get-involved
https://www.bishoppaiutetribe.com/owens-valley-paiute-shoshone-cultural-center/
http://www.bridgeportindiancolony.com
https://www.monolake.org/learn/aboutmonolake/humanhistory/kutzadikaapeople/
https://www.northforkrancheria-nsn.gov/our-people/history/culture/sierra-mono-museum/
Climbing Mentorship, Coaching, and Lessons:
If you are looking for more in person or in depth lessons or information, here
are some places to start looking.
Freedom of the Hills:
https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/mountaineering-the-freedom-of-the-hills-9th-edition-1
Other climbing books:
https://library.americanalpineclub.org/climbinghowto
https://www.mountaineers.org/books
Outdoor Climbing Guides:
https://loversleap.net
https://www.verticalpursuitsclimbing.com
Indoor Climbing Classes:
https://granitearch.com/classes/
AAC Know the Ropes Series:
https://youtube.com/@AmericanAlpineClub?si=obxSY5OWDvDVebN1
American Mountain Guide Association How To Series:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot1TDIJLF5w&list=PLW5wIFLPh0oIl80KwJMFwUZLUmJ990mab
REI Climbing Series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7tqTAgUK4UyPSOrMXb-H3nPHi7-9PiHk
REI Climbing Knots Series:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7tqTAgUK4Uy4o7PyNI5KDBQZo-
_e6n8K&si=dh02Jyrpup5Mxmnn
REI Climbing Basics Series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7tqTAgUK4UwBYEep3geV73aRGC1tcNb3
Climbing Training:
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18101251573087193/
https://www.climbing.com/?s=comprehensive+rock+climbing+training
Climbing Trainers/Coaches:
https://www.climbpinkpoint.com
https://www.camp4humanperformance.com
Find a Partner:
Check out the dedicated section of the Granite Arch Community Board
(directly left upon entering the gym) for finding partners!
Grants and Scholarships:
Looking to fund a big dream or just want some help getting into climbing?
Look here!
AAC Live your Dream:
https://americanalpineclub.org/live-your-dream-grant
The North Face Explore Fund (grants for climbing organizations):
https://www.thenorthface.com/en-us/about-us/outdoor-exploration/about-
the-explore-fund
The Dirtbag Fund:
http://www.cedarwright.com/the-dirtbag-fund
Climbing 4 Change Grants:
https://www.climbing4change.org/grants
AMGA Affinity Groups (Scholarships for the LGBT+ and BIPOC Community):
https://amga.com/programs/affinity-programs/
Additional Resources:
For Climbing Stoke/Climbing movies:
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/films/valley-uprising
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/films/the-dawn-wall
https://reelrocktour.com
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/discover
Festivals and Events:
https://www.flashfoxy.com/climbing-fest
https://americanalpineclub.org/craggin-classics
https://www.yosemiteclimbing.org/about-facelift
https://www.climbing4change.org/community-resources
Climbing Related Non-Profits:
https://www.sacredrok.org
https://www.climbing4change.org
https://www.yosemiteclimbing.org
http://www.cedarwright.com/the-dirtbag-fund
Affinity Groups:
https://americanalpineclub.org/climb-united
https://www.browngirlsclimb.com
https://www.melaninbasecamp.com
https://www.indigenouswomxnclimb.com
https://www.queercrush.org/meetups
https://www.paradoxsports.org