BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Access Fund is expanding its work in Texas by taking over the Continental Ranch Roundup–a semi-annual gathering of climbers at the historic Continental Ranch outside of Comstock, Texas.
The first Access Fund-led Continental Ranch Roundup will take place October 9–12, 2026, bringing climbers together for four days of climbing, community, and unique access to the Continental Ranch.
The Continental Ranch Roundup began in 2018 with Outpost Wilderness Adventure offering a large, guided opportunity to climb at the ranch. In 2019, the Austin Chapter of the American Alpine Club took over the Roundup and developed it over the years into one of the most important social gatherings for climbers in Texas. Access Fund is grateful to both Outpost Wilderness Adventure and the American Alpine Club for their years of work helping climbers experience an otherwise inaccessible Texas crag.
“We’re excited to build on what the American Alpine Club developed at Continental Ranch and ensure this special gathering continues for Texas climbers,” said Brian Tickle, Texas regional director of Access Fund. “Access to climbing on private land depends on strong relationships, trust, and a community that understands the responsibility that comes with being invited onto someone’s property. The Roundup is a great opportunity to celebrate that.”
The transition is a natural extension of Access Fund’s work in Texas. Access Fund currently facilitates climbing access at Inks Ranch, where climbers are welcomed during designated access weekends. The program has demonstrated how strong relationships between landowners and the climbing community can create sustainable opportunities to climb while respecting the needs of working ranches.
Adding Continental Ranch expands that work and creates another opportunity to connect climbers with unique Texas landscapes. Through the Continental Ranch Roundup and Inks Ranch access weekends, Access Fund aims to grow awareness of Texas climbing, strengthen the climbing community, and build a model for sustainable access across the state.
The 2026 Continental Ranch Roundups will take place on October 9–12, 2026 and February 12–15, 2027. Additional details, including registration and event information, will be announced soon at accessfund.org.
About Access Fund
Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff has more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience, and has permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country, in addition to establishing climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.
