“An enduring passion for climbing ties us together.”
As our belay partner, you have helped to make an indelible mark on the climbing community.
As a Club, we’re all obsessed with climbing. Throughout our 121-year history, we’ve rooted our work in this deep passion. The AAC’s longest-standing projects and programs—our grants, publications, and lodging—are at the heart of our Club because they help climbers build community and fuel their own passion for the climbing life.
Whether you’re inspired by the cutting-edge ascents in the American Alpine Journal (AAJ), keeping climbers safe through Accidents in North American Climbing, developing lodging facilities that secure affordable camping at America’s iconic crags, or funding meaningful experiences through the AAC grant program—at our core, we are all part of the Club because we’re just a tiny bit obsessed with climbing. (Okay, maybe wildly obsessed with climbing.) This enduring passion for climbing ties us together and your investment has helped the Club to deliver on these initiatives for generations.
Donate today and your contribution will help us to deliver on these initiatives for generations to come.
Your support allows us to stoke the fire of climbing passion by documenting and reporting the significant ascents of our sport every year through the AAJ. This year, we distributed 13,000 copies of this renowned journal across the world, not only archiving the growth of our sport with stories of 245 first ascents and ski descents, notable free ascents, and new traverses, but inspiring climbers of every level to dream up their next achievements.
Year after year, our grants support nearly a hundred elite and amateur climbers to push their personal limits and the limits of this sport. This year alone, we awarded $190,000 to climbers—supporting significant alpine achievements like the recent alpine-style ascent of the north face of Jannu to the dreams of your average climber, and more.
But our work isn’t just inspiration. Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport, and we have a responsibility to provide resources that help keep climbers safe. The ravenous engagement with our Accidents publication proves a real hunger for the robust accident analysis that only the AAC has the expertise to provide. This year, we’ve distributed 12,500 copies of this publication and reached over 150,000 climbers digitally with “The Prescription,” our monthly email featuring relevant and timely accident analysis from the editors of Accidents. All made possible by contributions from passionate climbers like you!
Our beloved campgrounds connect members and non-members alike to incredible climbing locations at an affordable price and craft a meaningful community connection along the way. With over 36,500 lodging stays this year and nearly 900 nights of free camping provided to volunteers and partner organizations, we’re serving more than just our members—we’re providing a home base for adventure for the entire community.
This next year, we’re also excited to partner more closely with Yosemite National Park through a newly signed General Agreement to increase our presence in the Valley. Through this agreement, we’ll support education, stewardship, and safety communications and offer our expertise as they develop the climbing plans, strategies, and ethics that will serve as a model in this new age of climbing. Solidifying this partnership allows us to channel our passion for climbing into supporting and improving the climbing experience at one of America’s most iconic climbing locations.
We’re obsessed with climbing—and as an AAC member, we know you are too. That’s why we do this work, why we support this incredibly vibrant, passionate community with work like our grants, lodging network, publications, and now our partnership with Yosemite National Park.
Thank you for stepping into this legacy. Donate today, and help us carry on the torch—without your continued support, carrying on this legacy would not be possible.
Ben Gabriel
Executive Director
P.S. Donate $250 or more today and receive a 16” x 20” print of this limited edition Smith Rock State Park artwork by AAC member John Kelley.
Our Impact | The 2023 AAC Impact Report
As a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the needs of climbers, we measure ourselves by our impact. We are constantly asking ourselves: are we making a difference in the lives of climbers? We’re working hard so that however you connect with climbing, you have the resources and community you need—and this is only possible through the generous support of our donors, members, and volunteers.
Dive into this report to discover the results of our work and the impact of your contributions in fiscal year 2023.
About the Artist
John Kelley is a Bend-based artist, climber, and adventurer on a mission to capture the rugged and breathtaking essence of mountain landscapes through his art. His global journeys, combined with a career dedicated to experiential education, guiding, and environmental stewardship, have profoundly influenced his creative pursuits. In climbing and art he’s been able to go to wild places, connect with amazing communities, push himself mentally, find presence, be creative, and take risks. His vision extends beyond his artwork; it’s a call to action, inviting individuals to engage with their communities and contribute to the well-being of our planet.
Kelley has been an AAC member for many years, and received the Live Your Dream Grant in 2016, which allowed him to climb three classic towers in Sedona. Read his trip summary and report below. He is inspired by the AAC’s dedication to policy and environmental protection, and the Climbing Grief Fund’s work to support climbers through the unique challenges and emotions associated with the loss of fellow climbers. Follow John on this journey by connecting with him on Instagram @thundermountainworks or by exploring his portfolio at www.thundermountainworks.com.
Photo provided by John Kelley.
Artist John Kelley Got to Live His Dream
John Kelley received the Live Your Dream Grant in 2016. He did a one-day link-up of three classic Sedona Towers (Coyote Tower, Sedona Scenic Cruise, and The Mace) using mountain bikes as the sole means of transportation. This ultimate fitness challenge involved John and his climbing partners traveling via bike between the peaks, over many miles of technical mountain biking terrain, carrying all of their gear and provisions. They then left their bikes to begin climbing routes to each summit, linking the three towers. They climbed technical routes up to the grade 5.10d. This challenge definitely put their endurance, power, and technical climbing skills to the test!’