In Yosemite, it’s the big walls that should be intimidating, not the community.
We are committed to being a part of the evolution in global climbing culture and moving towards a community that values representation, Tribal engagement, stewardship, and celebration.
A gathering of community for learning, restoration, and empowerment. Where a shared love of climbing brings us together to build strength and resilience for life beyond the crag.
Sierra Rising is a free, five-day immersive event in Yosemite National Park that blends rock climbing mentorship, conservation stewardship, and wilderness safety education. It is a collaboration between YOSAM (Yosemite Safety & Mentorship), the National Park Service, and Yosemite Conservancy. The event is designed to inspire a new generation of climbers and outdoor leaders to protect Yosemite's landscapes and people.
Sierra Rising is scheduled for October 2026 in Yosemite National Park. Daily activities take place in and around Yosemite Valley.
Sierra Rising is completely free for all accepted participants. There is no registration fee.
The event is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. No prior climbing experience is required — Sierra Rising is designed for climbers of all levels, from complete beginners to those looking to develop outdoor leadership skills.
Participant selection is conducted through a random lottery to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants. Please note that applications are accepted from individuals only — you may not apply as part of a group or team. Even if you apply with friends or others, each person must submit their own individual application, and selections are made independently. Being selected in the lottery does not guarantee that your entire friend group will be accepted.
Sierra Rising is limited to 40 participants to keep the experience personal and ensure quality mentorship for everyone.
A detailed daily schedule will be published closer to the event. Expect a mix of climbing clinics, field lessons in wilderness safety and navigation, hands-on stewardship projects, community gatherings, and evening programming. The schedule will be shared with accepted participants and posted on this site when available.
Participants will camp at Yellow Pines Campground, a volunteer-only campground in Yosemite Valley. Yellow Pines is a tent-only campground with no electric or water hookups. Each campsite has picnic tables, a fire ring, and bear-proof food lockers. Potable water is available on site. Showers are not available at Yellow Pines but can be found at nearby facilities such as Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp.
You are responsible for bringing your own camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, and weather-appropriate clothing. Plan to bring sunscreen, at least two liters of water for daily activities, and any personal medications. A detailed gear list will be shared with accepted participants before the event. Climbing gear — such as harnesses, helmets, and ropes — will be available for loan during the event.
Some meals will be catered during the event. Participants should plan to bring or purchase additional food for meals that are not covered. Details on the meal schedule will be shared closer to the event. All food must be stored properly in bear-proof lockers when not being consumed (see bear safety below).
Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Yosemite National Park. A carpool coordination sheet will be shared with accepted participants to help connect people traveling from similar areas. Because parking in the Valley is limited, we strongly encourage carpooling.
The free Yosemite Valley shuttle runs a loop through the Valley with stops near major landmarks, campgrounds, and facilities. The shuttle is wheelchair accessible. If you can bring a bicycle and helmet, that's a great option — there is a paved bike path connecting several areas of the Valley, and bike rentals are also available through Yosemite Hospitality. Driving and parking in the Valley can be stressful, especially on busy days, so the shuttle and bikes are often the easiest way to get around.
Yes. Sierra Rising will take place regardless of weather, though rain, extreme heat, or smoke conditions may lead to adjustments in programming. Be prepared for changing weather by packing layers, rain gear, and sun protection, and stay flexible if the schedule shifts due to conditions.
Pets are not permitted at Yellow Pines Campground or at climbing areas. They can pose a safety risk and a distraction in both settings, so we ask that you make arrangements for your pet before the event. Service animals (dogs or miniature horses trained to perform a specific task related to a disability) are welcome and must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or under voice control at all times. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under ADA guidelines and are subject to the same rules as pets. For more details, visit the National Park Service page on service animals.
Yes — stewardship is one of the three pillars of Sierra Rising, alongside mentorship and safety. Every participant takes part in at least one conservation project during the event, such as trail maintenance or habitat restoration. These projects are a way to give back to the landscapes that make climbing in Yosemite possible and to build a deeper connection with the land. All tools and protective equipment for stewardship work will be provided.
Yosemite is home to an estimated 300 to 500 American black bears. They can range in color from black to brown, cinnamon, or blonde. These bears are curious, intelligent, and have a powerful sense of smell that leads them to human food. When bears successfully obtain human food, they can become bold and even aggressive — which can ultimately lead to their relocation or death. Proper food storage is required by law and is essential to protecting both people and wildlife. According to Yosemite Conservancy:
Bear safety will be covered during the event orientation, and organizers will ensure bear boxes are available and properly used throughout the campsite. Help keep bears wild!
If you see a bear in the campground or on a trail, the Yosemite Bear Team (funded by Yosemite Conservancy) recommends the following:
For more information, visit Yosemite Conservancy's bear safety guide.
Absolutely. Sierra Rising is built for climbers of all experience levels. Field lessons cover climbing safety fundamentals, wilderness navigation, and self-rescue basics. Experienced mentors and NPS rangers will guide you throughout the event. Climbing gear is available for loan so you do not need to own any equipment to participate.
Follow us on Instagram for the latest news, application announcements, and event updates. You can also check back here on the Sierra Rising website for new information as the event approaches.