COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) has encountered a significant funding shortfall threatening outdoor climbing access improvements at Shelf Road, one of Colorado’s premier sport climbing destinations, as well as much-needed improvements at other outdoor recreation spaces across the Front Range. In response, a coalition of locally owned climbing businesses has united to bridge the gap left by federal budget cuts.
Since 1991, RMFI has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to build and maintain trails, erosion control structures, and belay platforms at Shelf Road. This year, however, the BLM is unable to provide its customary financial contribution due to federal funding and staffing shortages, leaving RMFI to seek support directly from the climbing community.
To meet the challenge, a newly formed group has stepped up. Composed of small, locally-owned businesses that serve climbers across the region, the group is contributing in a variety of ways, donating cash, memberships and climbing trips, hosting fundraisers, and amplifying awareness of RMFI’s needs.
“As a guide service with operations all over Colorado, we depend on well-maintained crags and safe, accessible trails, and that doesn’t happen on its own. RMFI has been doing that hard work at Shelf Road and other places for decades. We’re proud to partner with this community effort that keeps Colorado’s climbing areas world-class.”
— Jeremiah Meizis, Owner, Colorado Climbing Company
Group members include:
• Indoor climbing gyms: CityROCK, Gripstone Climbing and Fitness, and Pure Bouldering
• Outdoor guiding companies: The Colorado Climbing Company, Front Range Climbing Company, and Pikes Peak Alpine School
“Pure Bouldering is proud to stand with our local climbing community partners to support the vital work RMFI does. We are happy to see everyone coming together for this cause.”
— Nolan Lindstrom, Pure Bouldering
Funds will enable RMFI to host volunteer events at Shelf Road alongside partners Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance and SoCO Crag, and to mobilize a 20-person field crew for a full week of technical rock work, over 900 staff-hours of improvements directly benefiting climbers.
“Climbing is fundamentally about working with others to accomplish a goal. It’s hard to do by yourself. You need a belayer, a spotter, a driver, a friend. We wanted to show that, as businesses that support climbers, we can also work together to reach goals. In this case, we are working together to help RMFI do the work that benefits all of us.”
— Lara Grosjean, Chief Up Officer, CityROCK
Fundraising Event: Celebrate National Trails Day at Goat Patch Brewing
RMFI will host a community fundraiser on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 3:30–6:30 p.m. at Goat Patch Brewing at the Lincoln School in Colorado Springs. The event celebrates National Trails Day and features games and a raffle, with prizes including outdoor climbing trips donated by The Colorado Climbing Company, Front Range Climbing Company, and Pikes Peak Alpine School, as well as gym passes and memberships from CityROCK, Gripstone Climbing and Fitness, and Pure Bouldering.
Climbers who volunteer at one of three RMFI trail work events earlier that day will earn a Buy One, Get One Free beer coupon to enjoy at the evening celebration.
How You Can Help
• Volunteer at a trail work event on June 6 – HERE
• Make a donation to RMFI – HERE
• Attend the Goat Patch fundraiser event – HERE for more event details
Fundraising Event – Pure Bouldering
Pure Bouldering is hosting a fundraising event for RMFI on Sunday, July 26. They will donate all proceeds from day pass sales to RMFI.
About CityROCK
CityROCK is Colorado Springs’ premier indoor climbing facility, located at 21 N. Nevada Ave. in downtown Colorado Springs. Founded with a mission to make climbing accessible and welcoming to all, CityROCK offers a full range of climbing walls, fitness programming, and community events for climbers of every level. For more information, visit climbcityrock.com.
About RMFI
The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving public lands in southern Colorado through trail maintenance, ecological restoration, and outdoor stewardship education. RMFI has partnered with the BLM to maintain Shelf Road climbing access since 1991.
CBJ press releases are written by the sponsor and do not represent the views of the Climbing Business Journal editorial team.
