Reimers Ranch. Crisp temps. Climbers grinding through projects and gunning for a spot atop the Yeti podium—or simply enjoying the party, the community, and a day spent on rock. The Limestoner is a Central Texas tradition that climbers across the state look forward to year after year. It’s not just a great time; it’s also a critical fundraiser that fuels TCC’s mission to keep climbing safe, accessible, and thriving across Texas.
Historically, though, the Limestoner’s biggest rival hasn’t been a crux move—it’s been the weather. Rain delays have plagued the event for years, including last year’s double delay and pivot to an indoor venue at Mesa Rim. So, this year, we’re shaking things up.
That’s right: Limestoner ‘25 is moving to the fall! We’re aiming for October, just before daylight savings time ends. Not only will the cooler temps make for prime sending conditions, but more daylight means extra time to enjoy the post-climb awards, party, and community hangout.
Another bonus? By shifting to the fall, we avoid overlapping with the Granite Gripper—our friends hosting that iconic event were also rained out last year and have rescheduled for this spring. The new calendar gives both events their own space to shine.
Beyond the Limestoner, TCC’s newly assembled board of directors is hitting the ground running with big plans for 2025. Expect announcements about exciting community events, climbing get-togethers, and plenty of trail days to take care of the crags we love so much. Together, we’ll keep Central Texas climbing strong for generations to come.
Welcoming New Board Members!
Selecting new leaders for the Texas Climbers Coalition was no easy task. We were blown away by the number of talented, passionate individuals who applied for our open Board of Directors positions. Each applicant brought unique strengths and a deep love for the climbing community, making the decision incredibly challenging.
After much thoughtful deliberation, we’re thrilled to announce the exceptional individuals who will help steer TCC into the future. These superstars bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our mission of making climbing safe, accessible, and sustainable across Texas.
First, we’re pleased to announce that Lisa Little will continue in her role as Chief Operating Officer. Lisa’s leadership over the past several years has been vital to the success of the TCC. Her dedication, expertise, and vision ensure we remain a strong and impactful organization.
Joining Lisa on the board are two new appointees, bringing fresh perspectives and passion to our mission:
Brian Henderson
Brian Henderson steps into the role of Chief Financial Officer with a commitment to strengthening the Coalition’s financial health. A Certified Public Accountant since 2021, Brian works full-time in public accounting and brings a wealth of financial expertise to the TCC. His climbing journey began in 2019 at a local Austin gym, and he has since tackled routes at Reimer’s Ranch, Barton Creek, Monster Rock, and Enchanted Rock. Beyond Texas, Brian has climbed in Hueco Tanks, Joshua Tree, and other iconic destinations across the U.S. When he’s not climbing, Brian enjoys van camping, gardening, yoga, paddleboarding, and kettlebell workouts
Ana Krueger
Ana Krueger joins the TCC as the new Programs Associate. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Ana developed a deep love for the outdoors before moving to Austin. She studied Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin and now works as a Communications Coordinator at a local nonprofit. Ana has been climbing for three years and is a regular at ABP Springdale, where she can often be found training on the boards. Her favorite climbing destination is Hueco Tanks, where she finds inspiration in the beauty of desert sunrises. Ana is excited to give back to the climbing community and the lands that have enriched her life.
Texas Climbers Coalition is awarded the JEDI Grant from Access Fund
The Texas Climbers Coalition has received $2,500 in grant money from Access Fund’s inaugural JEDI grant. We’re honored to be one of four recipients this year.
The CR Bloom Project, which works under the Black Outside umbrella, uses outdoor exposure as healing spaces for youth of incarcerated parents in San Antonio. They have never had the opportunity to run an outdoor climbing event. We will be using the grant money to facilitate such an opportunity by partnering with two local guiding services to provide a safe outdoor guided climbing experience.
Everyone should have equitable access to the outdoors, and the same goes for climbing. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to fall in love with these spaces and feel welcome in them. If 33 new children can experience, for the first time, outdoor climbing in a free crag in the middle of their city, then we are taking one small step to do our part to support JEDI practices in Texas.
Medicine Wall is Now Open to Climbing
The Texas Climbers Coalition (TCC) and Access Fund are pleased to announce the official opening of Medicine Wall in San Antonio to rock climbing. After nearly 20 years without legal access, TCC now owns Medicine Wall, and Access Fund holds a conservation and recreation easement to permanently protect the property for rock climbing.
Medicine Wall is free and open to the public for climbing and other low-impact activities. Medicine Wall was acquired and permanently protected in December 2018, but it remained closed to the public while the City of San Antonio completed the Salado Creek Greenway trail, which provides public access.
“We know how excited and eager San Antonio climbers have been to enjoy Medicine Wall again, and we are thrilled to see the wall finally opened for climbing,” says TCC Executive Director Adam Mitchell.
Medicine Wall was a popular crag for San Antonio climbers for many years. However, in 2015, the previous landowner stripped all bolts from the walls after an accident and began to strictly enforce no-trespassing laws. With few other nearby options for outdoor climbing, San Antonio climbers felt the loss of Medicine Wall acutely.
Then, in 2017, the owners of Medicine Wall—a large development company—broke ground on a residential development project and sought to transfer ownership of Medicine Wall to the city of San Antonio for inclusion in its Salado Creek Greenway trail project. The city did not wish to take on the liability of owning a climbing area, so they reached out to TCC to alert them to the potential opportunity to acquire the property. The owners agreed to convey the property to TCC, provided that Access Fund hold a conservation and recreation easement over the property to protect its conservation and recreation values.
“To acquire and permanently protect a climbing area, and to open it up to the public, is an absolute first for Texas climbing,” says Access Fund Texas Regional Director Brian Tickle.
San Antonio climbers have already started the process of rebolting the nearly 50 routes that were removed five years ago. San Antonio local Matt Markell has been leading the effort, using a donation of fixed hardware from TCC. “Rebolting Medicine Wall provides an exciting opportunity to implement current best practices for fixed-hardware management, which will ensure decades of enjoyment by climbers,” Markell says.
TCC is accepting donations for the acquisition costs, long-term stewardship, and the cost of the conservation and recreation easement. To date, TCC has raised $18,000 toward its goal of $37,000. To donate to TCC for the long-term success of Medicine Wall, visit https://www.texasclimberscoalition.org/medicine-wall.
Access Note Public access to Medicine Wall is provided via the Salado Creek Greenway trail system. Climbers should park only at approved Greenway trailheads and follow all Greenway rules and regulations, including hours of use. For a complete list of rules, visit https://www.texasclimberscoalition.org/medicine-wall.
https://www.accessfund.org/news-and-events/news/medicine-wall-in-san-antonio-opens-for-climbing
TCC Acquires Monster Rock
This success comes just one year after Access Fund and TCC teamed up to acquire and permanently protect Medicine Wall, a privately owned climbing area in San Antonio, for climbing conservation.
Celebrating a successful #givingTuesday
Thank you everyone for your donations for the #givingtuesday event. Through Facebook alone we raised $500.
TCC would like to show the support for the bolting sustainability for the whole area so we will be donating that $500 toward the Granite Gripper this coming Saturday December 7th 2019. Please go and support Erock and the Friends of Enchanted Rock.
Medicine Wall Update
Limestoner: Introducing Cash Prizes!
New this year for the Limestoner: We will have *cash* prizes for winners of some categories. Registration will be up in a few days! RSVP to the Facebook event to stay up to date on the details:
Medicine Wall News: Grant from the Conservation Alliance
Trail Work Day Success
Thanks to everyone who came out to North Shore to do trail work today with Access Fund-Jeep Conservation Team! When you are walking from Middle Earth to Mossy Wall, there is now a more clear trail behind the boulder.
Prototype Wall
Folks,
Tuesday evening was a pretty sad day because of the loss of some of our area's classic climbing. Fortunately however, there was no loss of life, which in all honesty could have been a real and scary development. I met with the park and began the conversation of what the climbing community can do and what they expect from us. Below are my findings:
1: The South side of Reimers Proper is closed for the foreseeable future. All of the climbing and hiking on that side is closed. Yes, Shortcake Wall and other stuff in that area is included.
2: The damage is unfortunately extensive. Basically, the tops of climbs from Grinch to where 8 Flake was, and then the whole wall is gone all the way to Tree Route on Mai Tai. The rock fall is massive. I know you all want to see the damage, but please respect the closure from the park for now. There are discussions with the park service about doing guided hikes to the area once a week until the area is open.
3: Unfortunately, the memorial boulder and plaque for Trip Lucas are both gone. I'm sure the park service will allow us to replace it since we went through the proper channels the first time. For many who don't know there was a memorial plaque to Trip above Prototype which was one of his favorite areas and climbs.
4: TCC will be doing trail work to re-establish a trail through this area. We think this project will be doable, as there is a natural line through the debris. However we won't be doing this work for some time. There are a few steps that the Travis County Parks folks want before we will be allowed to work or hike below. Please keep an eye out as we send more information about a cool trail project.
5: Finally, a Prototype Wall memorial. We won't be able to do this at Reimers but we will discuss dates and potential locations.
Thanks everyone for your cooperation.
Adam Mitchell,
Executive Director
Texas Climbers Coalition