The Climbing Zine is a creative collective fueled by passion, dirt, and rocks.

Going It Alone by Vic Zeilman

At some point in my early to midtwenties, I came to the conclusion that life is not about rock climbing. There’s just too much other crazy shit happening every day on this beautiful clump of space dust. The older I get, however, the more I realize that climbing is most certainly about life. At the…

Do Not Go Outside To Cry by Kathy Karlo

I see it being used all around me to describe women, often by other women: badass. I have always considered it to have a good connotation, as it implies confidence with a splash of style. Diverse, strong-willed women deserve an empowering word that delivers a heavy compliment—one that says, “She’s got things under control.” The…

Peace by Anna Hazlett (a poem)

Note: this poem is published in Volume 25. Photo of Anna climbing “Peace” in Tuolumne Meadows, California by Mary Eden.  Climbing draws us to these moments. Where flowing water harmonizes with every exhale; Where bare toes find solace in mud And bare skin befriends sunlight’s golden rays. Where our wild hearts stir with blooming friendships…

Texas Tower Redux by Josh Smith

Think back over your climbing career. I bet you’ll find a climb—or two—that define you. These won’t be your hardest sends necessarily. They will be the beautiful ones, the scary ones, the ones that came into your life at just the right time. The ones that tested you, that possessed you, that shaped your character…