We’re thrilled to launch our fifth year of the Climber Stewards program, with teams in Indian Creek, the Red River Gorge, and the New River Gorge. High visitation at these world-class climbing destinations puts massive pressure on sensitive landscapes, which can lead to significant environmental impacts. Our Climber Steward program was inspired by the vision of helping visiting climbers learn about the crag they're climbing at and securing a sustainable future for these incredible places.
Climber Stewards are on the ground in these popular climbing destinations during peak seasons. They connect with climbers throughout the season in two key ways:
Climber Coffee at popular trailheads, catching climbers as they head to the crag for a free cup of coffee and to share information about environmental sensitivities, crowding at particular crags, cultural history, and tips for recreating responsibly.
Crag Chats, which offer the Climber Stewards an informal way to connect with visiting climbers throughout the day. Climber Stewards share information about the place and help to paint the full picture of the climbing environment and ways that we can minimize our impacts.
Kayley Wilson - Indian Creek Climber Steward
Kayley calls Buena Vista, CO home, but is passionate about Indian Creek. She loves people and learning more about the SE Utah desert. With a background in conservation and a deep love for red rock, she’s always full of stoke and psyched to connect with the community while protecting the places we climb.
Meghan Braley - New River Gorge Climber Steward
Originally from Massachusetts, Meghan moved to the New River Gorge in West Virginia to follow her passion for climbing. From hosting meetups and working with climbing nonprofits to using education as a tool for empowerment, Meghan’s advocacy has taken many forms—she’s psyched to deepen her impact with Access Fund.
Elam Grekin - Indian Creek and Red River Gorge Climber Steward
Elam returns to the New River Gorge for her third season as a climber steward and is also joining the Indian Creek team this fall! Originally from Washington, she cut her teeth climbing in Index, but loves the NRG. Trad is her passion and you’ll most likely find her climbing wide cracks and grinning ear to ear.
Blair Ripley - Red River Gorge Climber Steward
Blair arrived in Kentucky in 2023 and joins us this season as a climber steward in the Red River Gorge. She brings her passion for community engagement and stewardship from her work with the Forest Service and is excited to dive deeper into trad climbing and give back to the climbing community.
Greta Staggs - Red River Gorge Climber Steward
Greta returns to the Red River Gorge this season for her third season as a climber steward! She learned to climb outdoors in the Red back in 2018 and has been coming back ever since. You can find her crimping her way up technical faces or throwing herself at steep overhangs in hopes of learning the art of the steep.
In the area? Join a Climber Coffee!
Stop by for fresh coffee and local beta.
Indian Creek Climber Coffee (through May 4):
Friday & Saturday Mornings: Beef Basin parking area
Sunday Mornings: Super Crack parking area
Red River Gorge Climber Coffee (through June 1):
Fridays: Martin’s Fork trailhead
Saturdays: Muir Valley parking area
Sundays: Various RRGCC properties
New River Gorge Climber Coffee (begins May 1):
Fridays: Kaymore Trailhead
Saturdays: Sandstonia Parking Lot
Sundays: Summersville Lake Parking Lot