Calling all LCOs, nonprofits, corporate partners, land managers, land owners, climbing gyms, land trusts, clubs, and anyone else who calls themselves a climbing advocate!

Join us in Tucson, AZ, on April 4 and 5, 2025 for our annual climbing advocacy conference. Come learn the latest from national experts on protecting access to your favorite crags.

Each year, Access Fund unites the passionate leaders of the climbing advocacy community to celebrate our victories and tackle the challenges ahead. We bring together local climbing organizations, land managers, landowners, climbing gyms, gear companies, land trusts, and more to forge the future of climbing. Together, we rally for progress, ensuring that our beloved sport continues to thrive and inspire for generations to come.

This year, we’ll meet in the climbing hub of Tucson to experience southwest climbing and discuss both regional and national access issues. Mark your calendars for two days of presentations, panels, and conversations on protecting America’s climbing.

Thank you to the Climbing Association of Southern Arizona for helping us plan this year’s event.

Register Now

For organizations sending 3+ representatives, please reach out to conference@accessfund.org for a discount.

Draft Conference Agenda

Friday, April 4

8:30 - 9:00 am Check-In & Breakfast

9:00 - 9:15 am Welcome

9:15 - 10:00 am Roundtable

10:00 - 10:15 am Break

10:15 - 11:30 am Choose One Session

Session 1: Working with Private Buyers

Session 2: Climbing on Indigenous Lands

11:30 - 11:45 am Break

11:45 am - 1:00 pm Choose One Session

Session 3 - Climbing Management for Non-Federal Climbing Areas

Session 4 - Breaking Barriers & Enhancing Accessibility

1:00 - 2:00 pm Lunch

2:00 - 2:15 pm Group Photo

2:15 - 3:30 pm Choose One Session

Session 5 - Roy New Mexico Case Study

Session 6 - The Impact of Volunteer Raptor Monitoring Programs

3:30 - 3:45 pm Break

3:45 - 5:00 pm Choose One Session

Session 7 - LCO Nonprofit Development

Session 8 - Engaging in the Federal Planning Process

5:00 - 6:30 pm Social Hour & Climbing Advocate Award Celebration

Saturday, April 5

9:00 - 9:30 am Breakfast

9:30 am - 12:00 pm Choose One Session

Session 9 - Climbing Area Pilot Program

Session 10 - Stewardship Infrastructure Planning

Session 11 - Rebolting Workshop

12:00 p.m. Climb!
Let’s end the conference by celebrating with a climb. Bring along your own lunch or grab it on the way. Please note that Access Fund is not providing climbing gear, guiding, or instruction for the session.

Access Fund 2023 Climbing Advocacy Conference. Bentonville, Arkansas. © Dustin O’Reilly.

We can’t wait to see you in Tucson!

Below are travel tips and ideas for accommodations. Reach out to conference@accessfund.org with any questions.

Locations

Day 1 (Friday, April 4):

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718

Day 2 (Saturday, April 5):

Field Sessions: Mount Lemmon

Exact meeting locations will be announced closer to the event

Rebolting Session: The Bloc Climbing Gym

8975 E Tanque Verde Rd #155, Tucson, AZ 85749

Airports

Tucson International Airport (TUS) - this is the closest airport to our conference locations.

Hotels

Hampton Inn Tucson Mall 5950 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704

Room block available for attendees until March 6
Rooms discounted to $123 a night
Booking link here

Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites 5151 East Grant Road Tucson, Arizona, USA, 85712

Room block available for attendees until March 4
Rooms discounted to $149 a night
Booking link here

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort 5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718

Room block available for attendees until March 5
Rooms discounted to $299 a night
Booking info: Attendees can call 1-800-207-6883, select 1 and then 2 and reference Access Fund. They can also email reservations@haciendadelsol.com.