Achievements
Private Parks
Boogerboo Bouldering
This area was found in late 2022 networking through the East Missouri community by Anthony Burns. Making initial contact, he found a bouldering wall most locals could only dream about. Cody Tilley and Nick Richards followed up by working together to create waivers, a pay station, and finalize access.
Robinson Bluff
We’ve performed multiple trail days here with the support of the private owner, established a set of stairs near Goblin’s Grotto as well as the retaining walls at Big River 2 Step and near Picasso wall. We continue to improve the trails with each trail day thanks to the help of our volunteers! If you’re interested in volunteering, stay tuned to our events for the next trail day.
On March 15th, 2023 we played a major part in The Robinson Bluff Festival 2023. Developing new maps and working with other local climbers to create an event East Missouri will never forget.
Sage Mountain
Established in November 2021, this is the first location that EMCA has had taken a private area with boulders and rock walls and turned it into a popular rock climbing area for local climbers! Nick Richards and a few other volunteers have worked hard developing nearly 60 problems with the support of the private owner, Art.
On March 19, 2022, we began adding trails to help climbers move around the area. We now also have carved out paths with piles of gravel and bags located nearby so anyone can help put gravel down as they walk to the crag. Additionally, we plan to host community events to help acclimate new climbers to the area. Pro Tip: Save the Map Image for a quick guide!
On Oct 14, 2022 - 25 routes have been added thanks to the support from Marcus Floyd and Sage Mountain. We would not have been able to achieve this new route access without both of their time and contributions. in this effort, EMCA has provided financial support by paying for half the cost of the installed equipment either by out-of-pocket or crowdsourcing. We also had a hand in placing some of the first bolts. We continue to steward the area by cleaning routes occasion
On Oct 15, 2022 - EMCA had it's first Festival at Sage Mountain. This raised the awareness of the area and gave the local climbers a low-priced community event to hangout with other outdoor enthusiasts. We bonded over campfires, partying in the cave with our local DJ, made T-shirts, had a local blacksmith demo, and a friendly competition.
Rock Climbers continues to be a major part of the population that visits Sage Mountain. It is a rare treat to have legitimate access to sandstone climbing. Please respect the area.
City Parks
Shepherd Mountain
The city of Ironton approved access in late December of 2022 and final sign off was received March 27th, 2023 with the help of Shepherd Mountain Bike Park and Eastern Missouri Climbers Association. The land is currently owned by the City but is mostly surrounded by private access so please be respectful.
Mark Twain National Forest Recreational Area
Silver Mines
We had our first community day March 5, 2022 and have made connections with the recreational manager. From here, we plan on providing additional community days and volunteer days which will support access for bouldering and possibly other forms of climbing and locations in MTNF in the future. The best way for that to happen is by continuing to develop a good relationship with the recreational manager and for individual climbers to help us educate others on best practices and climbing responsibly.
in November 2022 - We helped remove graffiti and a rotting bench casted over the side of a trail into boulder problems.
In March 2023 - We helped prepare the campsites by painting signs and removing leaves from culvert and around the campsites.
Elephant Rocks
This park is well established with very few project lines left, but we still plan scheduled trash pickup days and community days.
St. Francois
So far we’ve helped make some small changes. We were told very few seemed to climb at St. Francois and the way they track “active use” is through waivers. Some may not know, but the waivers were kept at the ranger station on top of the hill and at times the station door can be locked.
After we provided education to the park rangers, they moved the waivers to a new kiosk near the main crag. Since this change, we’ve been told there been a drastic increase in waivers completed to where they had to move the process online. This is important to us as a climbing community and to the state park as active use is utilized to determine the current value of climbing to the population.
In Late 2022, we have been given permission to replace some of the current anchors with mussy hooks. These hooks have been acquired with the help of the American Safe Climbing Association (ASCA) and the crowdsourced donations EMCA collected through T-shirt sales ($300!!).
In March 2022, we have added mussy hooks to 15 routs so far. The next 15 will be added by the end of Spring 2023!
Updated 3.14.2024