The American Alpine Club

Directions Website

The American Alpine Club Our mission is to share and support our passion for climbing and respect for the places we climb.
(326)

Welcome to the American Alpine Club’s online community—we are committed to providing climbers with the opportunity to engage with each other in respectful discussion and debate on our platforms. Learn more: https://americanalpineclub.org/community-guidelines

Our annual online auction is officially open for bidding! Scroll to see some of the items up for grabs →This auction is ...
10/13/2026

Our annual online auction is officially open for bidding! Scroll to see some of the items up for grabs →

This auction is open from October 13–24 at 7:00 p.m., closing during the AAC’s Annual Gala. Proceeds benefit the American Alpine Club, supporting our diverse programs, like grants, lodging, publications, and more.

Bid on items from anywhere in the world through the online portal 🔗 https://bit.ly/4zq79Od

First climbed by Johnny Dawes in 1986, the U.K.’s first E9 has held its reputation as a fearsome benchmark for the past ...
10/12/2026

First climbed by Johnny Dawes in 1986, the U.K.’s first E9 has held its reputation as a fearsome benchmark for the past four decades. With sparse protection and continuously thin, off-vertical climbing along its 150-foot length, the Indian Face at Clogwyn Du'r Arddu has only seen a handful of ascents. This past August, Rachel Pearce became the tenth climber, and first female, to find the top.

In the latest episode of the Cutting Edge, host Jim Aikman sits down with Pearce to understand her climbing history and love affair with the route—and why she thinks no women had led this "no-falls climb" until now. Listen to the story 🔗 https://bit.ly/4envU5o

--

📷 1: Pearce climbs Poetry Pink on the Rainbow Slab, a wall among the slate quarries of Llanberis, the North Wales village where the approach to the Indian Face begins. Image by Jethro Kiernan.

📷 2: Pearce climbs the Indian Face on Clogwyn Du’r Arddu. Image by George Sanderson.

This episode of the Cutting Edge is sponsored by Feathered Friends, makers of exceptionally lightweight, warm, and packable down gear for more than 50 years.

"[They] were looking for adventure, and they were convinced that Wyoming had it in abundance. They had heard whispers at...
10/09/2026

"[They] were looking for adventure, and they were convinced that Wyoming had it in abundance. They had heard whispers at Seneca Rocks, the Gunks, and Carderock—their usual stomping grounds—that the Tetons were the place to learn what they were made of."

Originally published in Guidebook XIX, "Grand Ole Roadtrip" features five short stories from the summer of 1976 at the Grand Teton Climbers' Ranch. Follow the adventures of Dieter Klose, Karen Kurle-Edwards, Mike Kurle, Angus Thuermer, Barry Rugo, and Howard Lukens at the link below ⬇️
https://bit.ly/46QX14U

📷 Courtesy of Howard Lukens

The Angelo Heilprin Citation honors individuals for exemplary service to the Club. This year's award goes to Scott Richa...
10/07/2026

The Angelo Heilprin Citation honors individuals for exemplary service to the Club. This year's award goes to Scott Richards: a 23-year AAC member, former mountain guide, and ultrarunner who has channeled a life lived outdoors into tireless work for the climbing community. As a member of the Club's Development and Host Committees, Scott has been a driving force behind the AAC's annual fundraising efforts.

Learn more about Scott and meet the full roster of awardees ➡️ https://bit.ly/4etjVUy

📷 AAC member Scott Richards

"The cool thing about it, I think, is how much respect it still garners. I don't think anyone just strolls up to it and ...
10/06/2026

"The cool thing about it, I think, is how much respect it still garners. I don't think anyone just strolls up to it and finds it easy; the [5.10d] grade is virtually meaningless and absurd, but somehow, fitting." - Kelly Cordes

Originally published in Guidebook XIX, "Crack of Fear" guides readers through the establishment, grading, and storied past of Estes Park's most infamous offwidth. With first-person accounts from Eddie Taylor, Alex Waterhouse, Billy Ridal, and more, this article *almost* makes us want to get on the line.

Read the full story, and get a peek at Guidebook XIX ➡️ https://bit.ly/4y4nWGg

📷 The Detterline Collection, Courtesy of the AAC Library

At this year’s Gala, the American Alpine Club is honoring Scott Richards with the Heilprin Citation, in recognition of h...
10/05/2026

At this year’s Gala, the American Alpine Club is honoring Scott Richards with the Heilprin Citation, in recognition of his extensive contributions to the Club across his 23-year tenure. In the latest episode of the AAC Podcast, we take the opportunity to highlight this self-described “regular climber,” who carries an impressive résumé of adventures, including running the Leadville 100, racing major ski-mo events like the Patrouille des Glaciers, and climbing classics in Eldo.

Head to the link below to hear about Richards’ time on and off the mountain, his philosophy on creating space for whatever feeds you, and more. Grab a ticket to the AAC Gala by October 12 to celebrate Scott Richards and fellow awardees in person on October 24! 🔗 https://bit.ly/3W13iIR

📷 Scott Richards

October 23, bouldering legend John "Verm" Sherman will be on the big screen at the American Mountaineering Center while ...
10/03/2026

October 23, bouldering legend John "Verm" Sherman will be on the big screen at the American Mountaineering Center while the AAC screens Old Man Lightning. Afterwards? We'll have a Q&A with some special not-so-surprise guests, including director Dawn Kish and film-featured climber Lynn Hill.

Reserve your tickets for this screening and the conversation after at the link below. Keep the party going when you attend the AAC's Annual Gala Saturday evening.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4i7hr07

Reservations are OPEN for Hueco Rock Ranch's next season!It's time to lock down dates with your crew and finally make th...
10/01/2026

Reservations are OPEN for Hueco Rock Ranch's next season!

It's time to lock down dates with your crew and finally make the trip down to Hueco Tanks State Park. Our Rock Ranch is open November 13, 2026–March 14, 2027 for hikers, stargazers, and, of course, climbers ready to take on West Texas's iconic bouldering terrain during peak sending season.

When you stay at this AAC lodging facility, not only do you support the Club, but you also get access to some of the best accommodations on the east side of El Paso. With tent, bunkhouse, and boondocking options, all steps away from our community barn, we've got space for whatever you need.

Explore accommodations and available dates at the Rock Ranch ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ycC14F

📷 Jess Glassberg, Louder Than 11

AAC lodging facilities are powered by and supported by .equipment.

The AAC's Guidebooks often feature member stories, but few are as intimate—and painful—as "Dark Road."Originally publish...
09/29/2026

The AAC's Guidebooks often feature member stories, but few are as intimate—and painful—as "Dark Road."

Originally published in Guidebook XIX, Christian Kiefer's "Dark Road" takes readers through his establishment of The Grief Project crag in Northern California, bolted and documented alongside the death of his father. Get the full story 🔗 https://bit.ly/4788BbO

📷 AAC member Alric Bird

Lynn Hill is this year's President's Gold Medal awardee, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to climbing. In antic...
09/28/2026

Lynn Hill is this year's President's Gold Medal awardee, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to climbing. In anticipation of her honor at this year's American Alpine Club Gala, we sat down with Lynn to cover everything from her linguistic studies—including French, Italian, and Spanish— to her most famous first ascents, and her no-complaints attitude adopted and adapted across her climbing career.

Listen to the latest AAC Podcast for all this and more 🔗 https://bit.ly/4AxcmVG

For the full story on Lynn, hear from her in a Q&A with Dawn Kish after our screening of Old Man Lightning on October 23, and come celebrate her achievement at our Gala on October 24. With less than a month left to register, you don't want to miss this unique opportunity to hear from one of climbing's most beloved living legends.

📷 Heinz Zak

Address

710 10th Street, Ste 100
Golden, CO
80401

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The American Alpine Club posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category