The Future of Climbing in Designated Wilderness with Jason Keith

The Future of Climbing in Designated Wilderness with Jason Keith

When the Protecting America's Rock Climbing (PARC) Act became law in 2025, it marked a historic win for climbers. Now comes the next step: the draft climbing management guidance that will put the law into practice. In this episode of Policy Rx, The Rock Doc sits down with Access Fund's Senior Policy Advisor, Jason Keith, to break down what these long-awaited proposals mean for climbers, why climbing management matters, and how you can help shape the final policies during the public comment period. Plus, learn why it's important for climbers to know what type of land they’re climbing on—pro tip: roadside crags can be designated wilderness and remote alpine towers can be non-wilderness.

Reflections on Climbing’s Past and Future with Beth Rodden

Professional climber Beth Rodden joins the Rock Doc for a reflective conversation about her lifelong relationship with climbing, from serving on the Access Fund board early in her career to pushing the limits of traditional climbing with her first ascent of Meltdown (5.14c) in Yosemite. In this episode of Policy Rx, Beth and Erik explore how climbing has changed over the past few decades, the policies and infrastructure that make modern climbing possible, and what today’s trends, including advanced training and evolving stewardship practices, might mean for the next generation of climbers.

Why Adaptive Athletes Belong in Wilderness with Quinn Brett

Professional climber and adaptive athlete Quinn Brett joins the Rock Doc for a candid conversation about how her life-altering injury reshaped her relationship with the outdoors—and ignited her advocacy for disability access in wild places. In this episode of Policy Rx, Quinn and Erik dig into why mobility devices like offroad wheelchairs and handcycles belong in Wilderness, how outdated perceptions limit access, and the role the climbing community can play in pushing for a more inclusive future outdoors.

What It Means to Be a Dirtbag with Cedar Wright

Professional climber, filmmaker, and OG dirtbag Cedar Wright joins the Rock Doc to unpack what it really means to be a dirtbag—then and now—from sleeping in caves in Yosemite to building a fund that helps the next generation keep their climbing dreams alive. From dumpster-diving days on the road to founding the Dirtbag Fund, Cedar reflects on how dirtbagism has evolved alongside the sport, why access and opportunity still matter, and what it takes to sustain climbing’s counterculture in 2025. In this episode of Policy Rx, Cedar and Erik explore the past, present, and future of dirtbag climbing—and how supporting climbers on the margins helps protect the soul of the sport itself.

Why Futuristic Climbing Requires Access with Connor Herson

Pro climber Connor Herson joins the Rock Doc to explore how access has shaped his career—from bold trad lines to recently becoming the third person in history to free The Nose in a day. Growing up on California’s iconic granite and pushing into some of the most visionary terrain in the sport, Connor has always sought out climbing that demands focus, creativity, and respect for the landscapes that make progression possible. In this episode, he reflects on how secure access creates the space for breakthrough climbing, why protecting these places is essential for the next generation, and what responsibility comes with pushing the boundaries of the sport.