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. And if you need a scholarship to attend, just apply through the form below by December 20, 2025.
Thank you to the Climbing Association of Southern Arizona for helping us plan this year’s event.
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):
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
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
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.
Proudly Planned in Partnership With
Thank you to our sponsors!
We can’t do this without you.
Title Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Contributing Sponsor
