Climbers called on to clean up Kelly Canyon

Climbers will be picking up trash and performing area maintenance for National Forest Clean Up day on April 15th, 2017. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the Kelly Canyon trailhead between 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. for free bagels and coffee. Orientation with the Forest Service starts at 9 a.m.

To access Kelly Canyon, which is a few miles south of Flagstaff, exit I-17 onto Kelly Canyon Rd. and turn west. The last right fork before the parking area is now blocked by three big rocks. Park above the shooting pit and hike to the old parking area with the fire pit on the right.

Visit the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/403199743378634/.

Focus hosts fundraiser for The Homestead

Focus Climbing Center is holding a Spring Fling Community Art Auction to raise money for the Access Fund’s efforts to maintain access to The Homestead. The event will take place at Focus on April 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a community art auction and competitions requiring feats of speed and strength. Admission is free. For more information about the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1317347868322624/.

In 2015, access to The Homestead’s tufa-rich limestone walls, home to over 250 sport climbs, was threatened due to foreclosure on a privately owned parcel of land that overlapped key portions of the access road, trailhead, and first few dozen routes. The Access Fund obtained temporary ownership of the land, covering initial acquisition costs with short term financing from the Access Fund Climbing Conservation Loan Program. To permanently protect and steward The Homestead, the Access Fund aims to raise $235,000. So far, local climbing organizations, non-profits, and businesses have raised $75,000 towards that goal.

In December, the Access Fund

  • Improved the nearly impassable section of road on State Trust land, making it accessible by standard SUVs
  • Built a half-mile of new trail
  • Created 10 new tent pads and five new fire rings
  • Added 13 parking spots
  • Erected an educational kiosk

For more information on the Access Fund’s efforts at The Homestead or to donate, visit https://www.accessfund.org/take-action/campaigns/homestead.