We’re thrilled to launch this season of the Climber Steward Program, with teams in Indian Creek, the Red River Gorge, the New River Gorge, and our NEW Red Rock program. 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.

Alex Krampovitis - Red Rock Climber Steward

Alex always knew Red Rock would be his place. After moving there in 2023, he dove headfirst into the community, volunteering, exploring, and connecting with fellow climbers. What started as a love of sandstone walls quickly grew into a passion for stewardship and education. When he’s not projecting something steep or finding new corners of the canyons, you’ll spot him picking up trash, chatting with visitors, and sharing his stoke for Red Rock’s natural wonders.

Ryan Horner - Red Rock Climber Steward

Ryan is an experienced outdoor recreationalist from Oregon who spent summer 2025 in Yosemite Valley as a Climber Steward. This fall, he’s trading granite for sandstone, bringing his enthusiasm to the Mojave Desert and Red Rock Canyon. Drawn to long multipitch climbs and sweeping landscapes, he also loves fishing, hacky sack, and creating art inspired by the places he visits. Passionate about conservation, community, and adventure, Ryan brings contagious energy to every crag he touches.

Grey Curnutte - Red River Gorge Climber Steward

Born and raised in the Philippines, Gerry moved to the U.S. in his teens and rekindled his passion for the outdoors in his 30s. Indian Creek has since become his seasonal home—a place where he learned to jam and discovered that advocacy matters more to him than grades. An AMGA Assistant Rock Guide, Gerry pays forward the knowledge he’s gained by teaching clinics, mentoring at affinity events, and championing diversity and representation in the climbing community.

 

Kayla Vasarhelyi - Red River Gorge Climber Steward

Kayla moved to the Red River Gorge in spring 2025 after falling in love with the area’s sandstone cliffs, forested hollows, and vibrant climbing community. When she’s not trying her hand at the Red’s steep routes, you can find her running through the woods, exploring hidden overlooks, or soaking up the sounds of the forest. She’s excited to connect with visitors and share her deep appreciation for this special place as a Climber Steward with Access Fund.

Colleen Roberts - Indian Creek Climber Steward

Colleen is stoked out of her gourd to be a Climber Steward in Indian Creek this fall. A proud dirtbag, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, and backpacking guide, she’s convinced that living in a van and pooping in bags makes her cool. Beneath the humor is a deep reverence for the land and the people who care for it. Her endless curiosity drives her to learn from every interaction, and she’s always up for a long walk to the pit toilet to swap stories about the best splitter you’ve ever climbed.

Gerry Egbalic - Indian Creek Climber Steward

Born and raised in the Philippines, Gerry moved to the U.S. in his teens and rekindled his passion for the outdoors in his 30s. Indian Creek has since become his seasonal home—a place where he learned to jam and discovered that advocacy matters more to him than grades. An AMGA Assistant Rock Guide, Gerry pays forward the knowledge he’s gained by teaching clinics, mentoring at affinity events, and championing diversity and representation in the climbing community.

 

Alex Hansen - New River Gorge Climber Steward

Alex first visited the New River Gorge in 2011 and loved it so much he returned every chance he got. After years of back-and-forth trips, he finally made the Gorge home in 2024. He believes that the more you learn about a place, the more you’ll invest in caring for it—whether that’s through stewardship, education, or advocacy. Alex looks forward to sharing his knowledge, connecting with visitors, and giving back to the landscape that has shaped so much of his climbing journey.

Meghan Braley - New River Gorge Climber Steward

Originally from Massachusetts, Meghan moved to the New River Gorge to follow her passion for climbing. From hosting community meetups and working with local nonprofits to using education as a tool for empowerment, her advocacy has taken many forms. She’s inspired by how climbing brings people together and provides space for growth, and she’s psyched to deepen her impact with Access Fund as a Climber Steward in one of her favorite climbing areas.

 

In the area? Join a Climber Coffee!

Stop by for fresh coffee and local beta.

Red Rock Climber Coffee (through April 16):

  • Friday Mornings: Kraft Boulders parking area

  • Saturday Mornings: First Pull Out parking area

  • Sunday Mornings: Pine Creek trailhead

Indian Creek Climber Coffee (through December 7):

  • Friday & Saturday Mornings: Beef Basin parking area

  • Sunday Mornings: Super Crack parking area

Red River Gorge Climber Coffee (through November 16):

  • Fridays: Martin’s Fork trailhead

  • Saturdays: Muir Valley parking area

  • Sundays: Various RRGCC properties

New River Gorge Climber Coffee (through November 9):

  • Fridays through Sundays rotating climber coffee locations at New River Gorge National Park crags and Summersville Lake.