Project overview: Present the second annual multiday, community-building event with climbing clinics, affinity group spaces, and stewardship to elevate issues and opportunities in diversity, equity, inclusion, and access related to climbing.

How your support helps: United in Yosemite is an initiative that brings together local climbers, affinity groups, and the National Park Service for conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion in rock climbing. 

While the United in Yosemite event is open to all people with an interest in rock climbing, it is specifically geared toward athletes who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, people with disabilities, and LBGTQIA+. 

In 2023, United in Yosemite presented a multiday community building event that brought together outdoor- and climbing-focused affinity groups, local community members, outdoor industry professionals, and the National Park Service to elevate issues and opportunities in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and access space related to climbing. 

The event features climbing clinics, affinity group spaces, presentations, and a stewardship project. Participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, meet other climbers, develop climbing skills, and develop a relationship with Yosemite National Park. 

This year: In summer 2024, the second annual United in Yosemite event will take place. Your support allows for the hiring of a project coordinator, the development of at least 100 participants, and follow-up events for this groundbreaking initiative.

Project partners: American Alpine Club, Access Fund, National Park Service Accessibility Office, and Yosemite National Park

Jesse McGahey

Climbing Program Manager, Yosemite National Park

Project Notes

“Our goal is to plan and execute an event that includes the following: building a more open and welcoming community, celebrating and opening doors to these communities, facilitating conversation around challenges and opportunities in the park, connecting participants to the sacred and inspiring landscape of Yosemite, and having fun!”