Western Colorado Climbers' Coalition

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Western Colorado Climbers' Coalition

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The WCCC is dedicated to preserving access to Western Colorado's climbing areas through land conservation, stewardship, education & land use advocacy.

11/02/2026

We’re looking for a Nine Mile Steward!

Do you love climbing at Nine Mile? Want to help shape the future of one of Unaweep Canyon’s beloved bouldering areas?

We’re looking for a volunteer Nine Mile Steward to help represent and support the climbing community at Nine Mile. This role is an opportunity to take an active part in caring for the area, strengthening relationships with land managers, and helping guide decisions that affect its future.

Responsibilities include:

* Organizing and coordinating climbing area cleanups and stewardship projects.
* Helping guide decisions and priorities for the Nine Mile bouldering area.
* Building and maintaining relationships with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
* Representing Nine Mile and contributing to broader board discussions and decisions.

Who we’re looking for:

Someone with climbing and outdoor experience, a passion for stewardship, and an interest in supporting the local climbing community. Familiarity with or a particular love for the Nine Mile bouldering area in Unaweep Canyon is a big plus!

Interested in getting involved? Our team would love to hear from you! Just send us an email at [email protected] with a cover letter and basic resume about yourself, your climbing experience, and why Nine Mile matters to you. See more details about the role on our website under the "Apply to be a Board Member" tab! Help us take care of the places that make our climbing community what it is. 🧗‍♀️🪨

10/23/2026

🌧️ WEATHER ALERT: PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB ON WET SANDSTONE

With heavy rainfall moving through the region and more precipitation in the forecast, now is the time to give our sandstone a break.

Sandstone is incredibly fragile when wet. Moisture weakens the rock, making holds and flakes more likely to break. Climbing too soon can mean serious consequences for climbers and irreversible damage to the routes and holds we love.

🕒 24 to 48 hours is the usual minimum, not a guarantee. After prolonged or heavy rainfall like this, sandstone may need several additional days to dry. Please be patient.

🖐️ Not sure if it’s dry? Check the sand. At the base of your climb, dig a few inches into the sand. If it’s still moist underneath, the rock likely needs more time. Don’t climb yet.

This applies to Escalante Canyon, Colorado National Monument, and anywhere else in the region with fragile sandstone. Sun, shade, temperature, wind, and the amount of rain all affect drying time.

We all want to get back on the rock, but a few extra rest days are worth protecting our bodies, our routes, and the places that make climbing here so special.

Let the stone dry. Leave the holds intact. Take care of the places that take care of us.

Please share this with your climbing partners and help spread the word and leave no trace!

📸 Ephemeral waterfalls in McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area, Colorado

03/07/2026

🚨 Big News, Climbers! 🚨
We’re excited to announce that public access to Cabin Wall and The Island in Escalante Canyon is now OPEN!

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this possible.
As we head back to these beloved crags, please keep the following in mind so we can maintain continued access and protect this incredible place:

1. Practice Leave No Trace
Help us take care of Escalante Canyon by:
• Staying on designated trails
• Using the provided pit toilets
• Packing out all human waste from campsites and crags using WAG bags
• Avoiding climbing on sandstone for at least 24-48 hours (or when the ground is moist a few inches down) after any precipitation to prevent damage and allow the rock to dry.

2. Respect Private Property
Please be mindful of no trespassing areas, particularly agricultural land near the access points. Remember to drive slowly in and out of the canyon since speeding has been a recurring concern.

3. Watch for Seasonal Raptor Closures
The Island may be subject to raptor nesting closures beginning March 15th. Environmental assessments are underway, and we’ll share updates as soon as we have them. Thanks for giving wildlife the space it needs.

We know everyone is fired up to get back out there and we are too! Thank you for being responsible stewards of this special climbing area.

Climb safe, tread lightly, and have a blast! 🧗💥

📸 Pic 1 & 2 by Ty Sanderford
Pic 3 by David Erbe

02/26/2026

You're invited ‼️
Join WCCC for our first Climber Social of the year next week at ! This is a low-pressure space to meet people, build community, and get more involved in climbing—no experience required.

Wednesday March 4 @ 6PM
📍Trail Life Brewing

We hope to see you there!

02/07/2026

Huge thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate ’s birthday with us!

Between the Citizens Comp, the BBQ, and just hanging with such a solid community, the day couldn’t have been better.

We’re especially grateful to everyone who supported WCCC by grabbing beers and t-shirts—your support truly means a lot and helps keep the climbing community strong

Shoutout to all the climbers, volunteers, friends, and staff who made it happen. We’re lucky to have a community like this. Until the next one.

02/07/2026

01/21/2026

🚨 Friendly Unaweep reminder 🚨

Camping is not allowed at the base or on the rim of Massey Wall. That area is private property, and while the landowners have historically been respectful toward climbers, camping there puts access at risk for everyone.

✅ Remember to:
• Keep a low profile while climbing
• Be extra respectful of private land boundaries
• Camp legally on nearby BLM land

🚫 Please Don’t:
• Camp at the base or on top of Massey Wall
• Leave trash, human waste, or fire scars

🏕️ Where you can camp nearby:
• Dispersed camping on BLM land along Divide Road (above the canyon)
• Dispersed sites near Cactus Park

All camping in these areas is primitive meaning there is no water, always pack it in/pack it out, and make sure to check current fire restrictions.

Thanks for helping keep Unaweep access open for the long haul 🤍🧗‍♀️

📸 by Ken Redding

01/14/2026

Kick off 2026 with WCCC! 🧗‍♀️🧹

Join us January 21 for a cleanup at 9 Mile Hill—a chance to give back to one of our local climbing areas while connecting with the Western Colorado climbing community.

It’s been unusually warm lately, making this the perfect volunteer day outdoors. Whether your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time outside, give back, or meet more climbers—this is a great way to start.

📍 9 Mile Hill
📅 January 21
🕘 3:00-4:00pm

Bring gloves, layers, and good vibes. We’ll bring the community. We hope to see you there!

12/24/2025

Looking for a cozy winter escape with walking access to climbing, hiking, dark skies, and quiet canyon views? ❄️

Mother’s Buttress Casitas is the perfect basecamp in Unaweep Canyon — crisp air, winter sunshine, and epic climbing right outside your door. 🧗‍♀️🌄

Use code WCCC10 when you book and get 10% off your stay, plus 10% of your booking goes directly to the Western Colorado Climbers Coalition, supporting climbing access and stewardship in our backyard.

👉 Book here: https://mothersbuttress.lodgify.com
💸 Use code: WCCC10

Huge thanks to Holly, one of the landowners who lives right in front of Mother’s Buttress, for hosting this special place and supporting the climbing community!

Address

Grand Junction, CO
81501

Website

https://linktr.ee/westerncoloradoclimbers

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