About ACE
The Action Committee for Eldorado is a nonprofit organization of dedicated volunteers committed to conserving Eldorado Canyon State Park
Preserving the Climbing Experience
ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to representing climbers' interests in Eldorado Canyon State Park and preserving the opportunity to climb and the diversity of the climbing experience in Eldorado.
ACE supports conserving the natural resources and promoting responsible recreational use and land management. We work closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to ensure that climbing in Eldorado Canyon remains sustainable for future generations.
All climbers are welcome to join ACE and help us preserve the climbing experience in Eldorado Canyon. We are a volunteer organization and all donations are tax deductible.
How We Serve the Community
ACE's role is to advise the Park as to the opinion of the local climbing community, working collaboratively to maintain and protect this world-class climbing destination.
Fixed Hardware Review
Advising the park on bolt and piton placements to preserve route character
Community Representation
Voicing climber interests in park management decisions
Conservation Efforts
Protecting wildlife and preserving the canyon's ecosystem
Education & Outreach
Teaching climbing ethics and Leave No Trace principles
The Bolt Wars of the Late 1980s
Understanding the crisis that necessitated ACE's creation
The Problem
Individual climbers were adding bolts, replacing pitons, and moving existing protection without consulting the community, fundamentally changing classic routes.
The Response
Outraged climbers began "chopping" (removing) unauthorized bolts, escalating tensions and threatening the future of climbing access in the canyon.
The Solution
Bob Toll's vision for a democratic process where the entire climbing community could weigh in on fixed hardware decisions, leading to ACE's formation.
Our Journey
From crisis to collaboration, trace the evolution of ACE through the decades
The Bolt Controversy
Tensions arose as individual climbers began adding bolts without community consensus. Boulder Mountain Parks and City/County Open Space prohibited new bolt placements.
Crisis Point
Unauthorized modifications to existing routes, including replacing pitons with bolts and moving existing bolts, enraged local climbers. Some new bolts were chopped in response.
ACE is Born
Head Ranger Bob Toll approached local climbers to create a formal process. ACE was organized and incorporated to give the climbing community a voice in fixed hardware decisions.
Building the Framework
ACE designed the fixed hardware review process, establishing procedures for community input on new routes and modifications to existing climbs.
Gaining Momentum
The organization expanded its board to include representatives from major climbing organizations, ensuring diverse perspectives and broad community support.
Establishing Authority
ACE became the recognized voice of the climbing community, successfully mediating between climbers' desires for development and conservation needs.
Modern Era
Continuing to balance tradition with progress, ACE oversees hardware applications, conservation efforts, and represents the interests of the climbing community.
33 Years of Stewardship
What began as a solution to controversy has evolved into a model for climbing area management nationwide. ACE continues to ensure that Eldorado Canyon remains true to its heritage while adapting to the needs of modern climbers.
Board of Directors
The ACE Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the local community and works to align with standards created by other local organizations such as the Access Fund, the American Alpine Club, and the Colorado Mountain Club.
Justen Sjong
President
Jul, 2019
Katie Kelble
Vice President
Feb, 2025
Nick Schlichtman
Secretary
Jul, 2019
Brad Bond
Treasurer
Oct, 2021
Garth Sundem
FHRC Chairman
Oct, 2021
Adam Brink
FHRC Chairman
Jan, 2020
Lynn Anderson
Board Member
Oct, 2021
John Ebers
Board Member
Oct, 2021
Patrick Ellinwood
Board Member
Apr, 2025
Colin Leahy
Web Developer
Join Us in Protecting Eldorado Canyon
Your support helps us maintain climbing routes, protect wildlife, and preserve this incredible resource. Donations are tax deductible.