I am nearing the end of my fifth and final season as a climbing ranger at Yosemite National Park. I begin a paramedic training program next year, opening a new chapter in my life. My time as a climbing ranger provided the opportunity to both share and steward for Yosemite climbing. In this post I reflect on my experience as a climbing ranger, and share some of the profound takeaways gathered during that time.
My main contribution as a climbing ranger was in managing our interpretation and outreach programs. I made tens of thousands of contacts with both climbers and non-climbers through the Ask-A-Climber program, other walks, talks, and evening programs. The theme of these programs followed a common theme: generations of climbers have come to Yosemite seeking adventure and found a community, lifestyle, and an appreciation for wild places. I valued audiences receptivity to hearing of alternative lifestyles and vertical wilderness. I hope that I have inspired some of those visitors to seek adventure themselves.
I worked with amazing rangers, but also with volunteers called climber stewards. They donate vast amounts of time and energy to the cause of protecting the vertical wilderness of Yosemite. These men and women, often in their mid-twenties, are trying to find their place in this world. To mentor some of these volunteers in the ways of climbing lifestyle and stewardship was certainly one of the most meaningful parts of my job. I also learned much from the climber stewards and will forever cherish the memories of time spent with them.
A climbing ranger is a professional caretaker and steward. I spent many days patrolling in Yosemite’s wilderness (both horizontal and vertical). I was the eyes and ears of a force of stewardship, 
ready to swoop on any issue that revealed itself. Removing thousands of pounds of trash left by visitors to Yosemite’s wilderness was particularly impactful. It is easy to become disheartened by transgressions found in beautiful and loved areas. My advice to future climbing rangers and the climbing community in general is to stay optimistic, most climbers deserve to be respected as true stewards.
Performing trail work on climber access trails has been another meaningful aspect of my career. Climbing is a quickly growing sport which has manifested in degradation of user trails approaching and descending from popular climbing spots. Construction of proper trails, and the restoration of trail networks, has been an effective way of reducing the growing impacts of climber use in the park. Stewards should always be looking for ways to minimize signs of our passage through wild places.
I love Yosemite and rock climbing is a key element of my identity. Living and working as a Yosemite climbing ranger has been a formative and profound experience. I have had the opportunity to share my passion for Yosemite’s wilderness and high adventure. I attempted to be an exemplary steward and hope that I have had a positive impact on Yosemite, as Yosemite has certainly shaped the man I have become.