A cliffside climbing course in Missouri state parks
STORY AND PHOTOS by Ricki Spargo
Tucked deep in the St. Francois Mountains, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is best known for its rushing water and smooth pink rhyolite. On hot summer days, it’s packed with Missourians looking to cool off and explore its expansive trails. But for some, the rugged state park offers something more.
Beyond the clear water’s edge, the park reveals a unique vertical playground — an unexpected experience attracting hundreds of rock climbers annually.
Brave participants of all ages gather in the morning for a full day of learning, climbing and camaraderie. Since 2023, the Learn2Climb program has introduced newcomers of all ages to the world of rock climbing.
From knot tying to repelling, the course is opening the door for first-time climbers to find vertical challenges in the Show-Me State’s backyard.
Laying the Foundation
Learn2Climb came to fruition through the Ford Bronco Wild Fund Grant, which supports projects focused on preserving and expanding access to public lands. The funding helps cover the cost of equipment and resources needed to introduce participants to responsible outdoor recreation.
The program is also supported by the one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, which is reconsidered by voters every 10 years, including again in 2026.
“Climbing equipment is expensive. The harness, the helmets, the shoes — to go out and buy this stuff all at once with no prior climbing experience can be risky,” says Kintauna Myles, Learn2Climb’s recreation coordinator. “Participating in state-funded programs like this allow you to try your hand at something new with minimal barrier to entry.”
Participants are provided a harness, helmet and climbing shoes. After a brief knot-tying lesson and rock-climbing vocabulary refresher, the fun finally begins.
“The biggest part of our job is making everyone comfortable with something that the average person finds extremely uncomfortable,” says Kintauna. “Heights can be intimidating, so getting them comfortable before we even begin is super important.”
The Learn2Climb staff guides participants through climbing routes, demonstrating handholds and proper foot placement before stepping into the role of belayer — the person anchored on the ground who manages the rope. Although climbers are securely attached to the rock, the belayer controls the system below, ready to catch a fall. It’s just one of several safety measures designed to keep the experience both safe and approachable.
“The Learn2 program is a controlled, safe environment that encourages people to find something they’re passionate about outdoors,” says Kintauna. “Rock climbing, archery, fishing — whatever it is, we want people to take advantage of the resources that Missouri has.”
A Climb for Everyone
Experience isn’t a requirement to participate — just a willingness to try. Open to participants ages 10 and up, the Learn2Climb program is designed to meet climbers where they are and help them expand their skills.
For amateur climber Cooper Whitehorn, the hardest part of the day came right at the beginning. “Hiking all the way down the hill to the starting point was hard,” says the 13-year-old. “Once they demonstrated how to repel down the cliffs and tie the knots, I felt way better about being so high up. Outdoor climbing is way harder than indoor, but it’s way cooler once you make it to the top.”
For Brittany Klinkerman, a homeschooling mother from St. Louis, the program offers a chance to turn a Saturday afternoon into something more meaningful — an opportunity for her sons to explore the outdoors. “I want my kids to love nature,” says Brittany. “As they get older, I’m always looking for ways to get them outside and experimenting with different terrains. It’s a win for me when I can participate alongside them.”
Want to begin your rock climbing journey? “Start in a climbing gym. That’s the easiest way to build up experience in a fairly controlled environment,” says Kintauna. “While you’re learning it’s also important to get involved with the rock climbing community. Facebook pages, nonprofit events, any opportunity to learn from others will help you grow as a climber.”
Connect with the Outdoors
It’s easy to overlook, but for those who climb, Missouri offers more opportunity than meets the eye. “I’ve climbed everywhere — the Swiss Alps, Europe, Nevada,” says Jon Richard, a Learn2Climb instructor and founder of the rock climbing guide service Vertical Voyages. “I love the Midwest. There’s rock everywhere and it’s all different.”
That variety is what makes Missouri so uniquely positioned to host programs, such as Learn2Climb. “Our goal is to connect people with the outdoors,” says Jon. “It’s cool that we live in a state that has so many state-sponsored programs that support that mission.”
With climbing areas such as Elephant Rocks, Devil’s Elbow and St. Francois State Park, the state offers a wide range of single-pitch routes — many of them accessible through public lands and state-supported programs.
“The climbing community is like a family,” says Kintauna. “We support each other’s success and care deeply about preserving our state parks. Rock climbing lets you see these natural resources from a different perspective — and it makes you appreciate them even more.”
For more information about the Learn2Climb program, visit mostateparks.com/page/learn2-climb.
Email Ricki Spargo at rspargo@ruralmissouri.coop.