Between a Rock and a Coffee Pot

Climbers in Joshua Tree

On Saturday mornings in one of the premier climbing spots in the country, Park Ranger and legendary character Bernadette hosts Climbers' Coffee at Joshua Tree National Park. The e-tour had the chance to stop by this event this week and chat with avid rock climbers who had flocked to this climbing mecca over warm cups of coffee and tea. A number of these individuals were familiar with Leave No Trace, but had not yet heard about the bounty of resources available from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics regarding rock climbing. Everyone was stoked to get their hands on the brand new plastic reference card for rock climbing from the Center as well as to flip through skills and ethics books on both rock climbing and desert and canyon ecosystems. Bernadette and her fellow rangers at Joshua Tree have also just come out with a climbing guide to the park that not only highlights good climbing routes but also focuses on techniques to minimize impacts while at and around crags. We were ecstatic to flip through the guide and see information on preventing impacts around the base of climbing routes, how to dispose of waste, and features about preserving heritage sites near climbs. A huge thanks and props to Bernadette and her crew for getting out such great information!

Twentynine Palm Salute, 

Quinn & Frank