Boulder, CO — September 10, 2026 — Since 1991, Access Fund has worked to protect climbing access and conserve America’s rock climbing landscapes. On September 26, the organization will celebrate 35 years with a Birthday Celebration in Denver, Colo. The community event features special guest and professional climber Chris Sharma.
Access Fund is bringing the climbing community together to celebrate more than three decades of advocating for access, protecting public lands and crags, building trails, educating climbers and replacing bolts—work made possible by its many members, partners and supporters. On Saturday, Sept. 26, Access Fund is inviting the climbing community to Movement RiNo for climbing, clinics and games from 3-6:30 p.m., followed by an after-party at Improper City from 6:30-10 p.m. The after party will feature food, drinks, live music, giveaways, an Access Fund history exhibit and opportunities to connect with climbing legends, community leaders and professional athletes.
“We are incredibly grateful to our donors, staff, volunteers and supporters—this milestone belongs to all of them,” said Heather Thorne, executive director of Access Fund. “None of this work would be possible without the climbing community’s support, and this celebration is our way of giving back. Come join us in Denver as we celebrate 35 years together.”
Over the past 35 years, Access Fund has become the leading voice for climbers nationwide. Through its efforts, Access Fund has protected nearly 4 million acres of public land, completed over 100 land acquisitions, built thousands of feet of sustainable trail, and educated climbers across the country on responsible recreation ethics. At a grassroots level, the organization has partnered with more than 150 local climbing organizations and granted more than $1.7 million to climbing organizations, public agencies and grassroots advocates working to conserve and protect climbing areas in their own communities.
The Denver celebration is a chance to thank the community that has protected climbing access for 35 years, and to help carry that work into the next 35.
Event Tickets and DetailsTo learn more about Access Fund and become a member, visit Accessfund.org.
About Access Fund
Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff have more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and have permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country, establishing climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.
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