Bishop Climbing Rangers

Why Climbing Rangers? 

With the exploding popularity of our sport, the presence of Climbing Rangers has become increasingly essential to protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of rock climbing in the Eastern Sierra.

In 2019, the Bishop Area Climbers Coalition (BACC), Sierra Forever, Friends of the Inyo, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office, Inyo National Forest, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), and Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce came together to create the Bishop Climbing Ranger Program. Currently, the program comprises of two seasonal positions (typically October-May each year) and is hosted under ESIA. The climbing rangers are paid staff giving them the ability to provide daily boots on the ground and work in conjunction with the BACC, a 100% volunteer-run organization.

What do Climbing Rangers Do?

Written by Kara Flowers, Bishop Climbing Rangers, edited by the BACC. 

The Bishop Area Climbing Rangers are dedicated stewards of Bishop's climbing areas. They patrol key climbing areas - cleaning up trash, educating climbers on minimal-impact climbing and local ethics, and ensuring responsible camping and parking practices. Rangers also collect critical data for land management agencies, including trail mapping, visitor tracking, and environmental impact documenting. This data helps manage the growing number of visitors, supports sustainable land use, and guides future restoration and infrastructure efforts.

Community outreach is a core aspect of the Rangers' mission. They engage climbers through events like Climber Coffee (Saturdays- rotating locations see Instagram for time and place), and stewardship events in partnership with the BACC and other partners. The rangers also organize Gym-to-Crag events and visit schools in Inyo County, promoting responsible outdoor recreation and fostering a love for nature among local youth.

Additionally, the rangers work closely with visiting climbing festivals to minimize environmental impact and collaborate intentionally with the Bishop Paiute Tribe. This partnership ensures that Indigenous perspectives on land stewardship and the cultural significance of climbing areas are respected and integrated into conservation efforts.

Stay Connected with the Bishop Climbing Rangers

Following the Bishop Climbing Rangers on Instagram keeps you connected with the local climbing community and the latest updates. They post about upcoming events, weekly condition reports (October-May), and crucial safety and conservation tips. 

Bookmark THIS page for the Conditions Report Blog instead of Instagram.

Support the Bishop Climbing Rangers

Your donation helps fund these critical efforts, ensuring that rangers can continue their work in patrolling and protecting the land. It also supports community outreach, including Climber Coffee, stewardship events, Gym-to-Crag programs, and local school visits. Donate directly to the Bishop Climbing Ranger Program through the ESIA website with the button below:

Please visit ESIA’s Climbing Ranger Page for more information. For questions about the program, email admin@esiaonline.org. The BACC is a proud supporter of the Bishop Climbing Ranger program; the program is managed by ESIA.

Photo credits: Casey Fellhoelter