Thank you to everyone who came, competed, volunteered, and thanks to our sponsors for another amazing year!
See you in 2026 <3
2025 Poster Art by Sarah Purnell @Sarah.Tattoos
Taos, NM
Taos, NM
2025 Competition Results
We are thoroughly impressed by everyone throwing down,
even with a mid-day downpour! (gotta love that fish canyon tuff flash-dry)
It was the most competitors ever and some of the highest scores we've seen!
even with a mid-day downpour! (gotta love that fish canyon tuff flash-dry)
It was the most competitors ever and some of the highest scores we've seen!
Elite
1st Place: Mark Franchi 262
Trad Master Crust
1st Place: Josh Bender 317
2nd Place: Sam Dorsey 317
3rd Place: Athena Jin 252
4th Brandon Gottung 120
(1st place tiebreaker based on # of hangs)
Advanced
1st Place: Sean Wieboldt 411
2nd Place: Thomas Draper 304
3rd Place: Hayden Ward 272
4th Place: Marcel Such 266
5th Luis M. Martinez 259
Intermediate
1st Diana Boyer 289
2nd Gabriel Khano 260
3rd Andrea Zaghi 257
4th Sam Quiana 246
5th Sav McCall 210
6th Jeff Peters 194
7th Mara Millette 194
8th Anthony Nguyen 189
9th Ben Nehrke 182
10th Toby Glick 144
11th Carter Ege 130
12th Gio Sions 110
13th Amanda Farthing 104
Recreational
1st Place: Chris Trullaz 143
2nd Place: Stephen Whitten 143
3rd Place: Jasper Flint 142
4th Place: Matthew Kramer 94
5th Place: Kat Smith 86
5th Place: Sylvia Barnes 86
6th Place: Jimmy Cole 76
7th Place: Sonny Chan 53
(1st place tiebreaker rock paper scissors)
Top Rope Hero
1st Place: Beau Baxter 285
2nd Place: Heather Filyk 209
3rd Place: Michael Cooper 196
4th Place: Michelle Miller 88
5th Place: Alexa Kramer 56
True Penitence
1st Place: Charlie Malone 1487
2nd Place: Micah Tedeshi 1358
3rd Place: William Tickman 632
4th Place: Skylar Smith 632
5th Place: Thomas Zenner 616
6th Place: Leslie Gains-Germain 533
6th Place: Ike Manobla 533
7th Place: Jayden Grunde 475
8th Place: Neal Druffel 466
9th Place: Matthew Tangeman 439
10th Place: Jackson Willen 437
11th Place: Brandon Rasmussen 314
11th Place: Alex Reed 314
12th Place: Harlin Brandvold 306
13th Place: Gary Kanner 268
(tiebreaker 3rd place based on # of routes)
1st Place: Mark Franchi 262
Trad Master Crust
1st Place: Josh Bender 317
2nd Place: Sam Dorsey 317
3rd Place: Athena Jin 252
4th Brandon Gottung 120
(1st place tiebreaker based on # of hangs)
Advanced
1st Place: Sean Wieboldt 411
2nd Place: Thomas Draper 304
3rd Place: Hayden Ward 272
4th Place: Marcel Such 266
5th Luis M. Martinez 259
Intermediate
1st Diana Boyer 289
2nd Gabriel Khano 260
3rd Andrea Zaghi 257
4th Sam Quiana 246
5th Sav McCall 210
6th Jeff Peters 194
7th Mara Millette 194
8th Anthony Nguyen 189
9th Ben Nehrke 182
10th Toby Glick 144
11th Carter Ege 130
12th Gio Sions 110
13th Amanda Farthing 104
Recreational
1st Place: Chris Trullaz 143
2nd Place: Stephen Whitten 143
3rd Place: Jasper Flint 142
4th Place: Matthew Kramer 94
5th Place: Kat Smith 86
5th Place: Sylvia Barnes 86
6th Place: Jimmy Cole 76
7th Place: Sonny Chan 53
(1st place tiebreaker rock paper scissors)
Top Rope Hero
1st Place: Beau Baxter 285
2nd Place: Heather Filyk 209
3rd Place: Michael Cooper 196
4th Place: Michelle Miller 88
5th Place: Alexa Kramer 56
True Penitence
1st Place: Charlie Malone 1487
2nd Place: Micah Tedeshi 1358
3rd Place: William Tickman 632
4th Place: Skylar Smith 632
5th Place: Thomas Zenner 616
6th Place: Leslie Gains-Germain 533
6th Place: Ike Manobla 533
7th Place: Jayden Grunde 475
8th Place: Neal Druffel 466
9th Place: Matthew Tangeman 439
10th Place: Jackson Willen 437
11th Place: Brandon Rasmussen 314
11th Place: Alex Reed 314
12th Place: Harlin Brandvold 306
13th Place: Gary Kanner 268
(tiebreaker 3rd place based on # of routes)
FOLLOW @SLVClimbers on Instagram for the latest updates
EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCT. 3
2 PM - 7 PM | CHECK-IN, REGISTRATION, CAMPSITES
Please arrive with your virtual tickets. Competitors will receive their competition packets & scorecards upon check-in.
If you arrive later than 7PM, please plan on checking in at the front gate Saturday morning.
7:00 PM ~sunset | SLIDESHOW w/ Bob D'Antonio
Local legend Bob D'Antonio will catch you up to speed for everything Penitente! From the first few bolts in the late 80's to the recent happenings. Retro to new climbing photos, lots of stories, and a fun Q&A!
8:00 PM | REELROCK 19 FILM SCREENING
We will be screening Death Of Villains, The Cobra & The Heart, Riders on the Storm, and some exclusive shorts if folks want to stick around for more! ** Bring chairs & blankets =) **
Please arrive with your virtual tickets. Competitors will receive their competition packets & scorecards upon check-in.
If you arrive later than 7PM, please plan on checking in at the front gate Saturday morning.
7:00 PM ~sunset | SLIDESHOW w/ Bob D'Antonio
Local legend Bob D'Antonio will catch you up to speed for everything Penitente! From the first few bolts in the late 80's to the recent happenings. Retro to new climbing photos, lots of stories, and a fun Q&A!
8:00 PM | REELROCK 19 FILM SCREENING
We will be screening Death Of Villains, The Cobra & The Heart, Riders on the Storm, and some exclusive shorts if folks want to stick around for more! ** Bring chairs & blankets =) **
SATURDAY | OCT. 4 (Wear a costume!)
8:00AM | Warm-Up YOGA with JULIA STEMPKO
Things can get tweaky in Penitente Canyon. Before you go crankin' on those pockets and tip toe on them edges, warm up your body, mind, and fingers with local climber Julia Stempko!
Local climber, Julia Stempko, is a C-IAYT certified yoga therapist and continuing education provider based in the San Luis Valley. Her gentle, informed teaching style helps create a welcoming, inclusive space where anyone can enjoy linking movement and breath. Some mats available.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | LATE ARRIVAL CHECK-IN
For late night Friday or Saturday morning arrivals, check in at the front gate (@ entrance to the main canyon).
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | CLIMBING COMPETITION
Climbing competition is ON! Comp starts at 7am for those willing to brave to cold. Climb all day and get your scorecards in by 7pm!
Costumes get you extra points, so dress your best! (Please be culturally sensitive with your costume - traditional Hawaiian garb / Lei's, Indigenous headwear, etc. that may be disrespectful to existing cultures).
4:00PM - 7:00 PM | TURN IN SCORECARDS
Please be sure to turn in your scorecards at the main festival grounds to the scorekeepers. 7:00PM Cutoff for scorecards!
6:00 PM - 7:50 PM | RAFFLES @ Main Festival Grounds
Purchase raffle tickets or use your free raffle ticket to bid on some of our awesome prizes.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | PERKO'S PIZZA FOOD TRAILER
BRING CASH, there is limited service in the canyon! About 60 pizzas available, first-come first served. Sorry, no gluten-free dough.
8:00PM - 9:30 PM | PODIUM, PRIZES
Competition Winners of each category + Raffle Prize winners will be announced.
9:30PM - 2AM | DJ TYMER BUCK, DJ SPACE BUNZ
This isn't DJ Tymer's first rodeo playing an off-grid set amongst the rocks! Get psyched to welcome this Taos-based DJ, who will get your body moving with his groovy tunes and deep beats!
DJ Space Bunz is a long-time lover of Penitente Canyon and has competed in the festival as an elite climber!
*earplugs highly recommended for families & guests retiring early for the evening*
Things can get tweaky in Penitente Canyon. Before you go crankin' on those pockets and tip toe on them edges, warm up your body, mind, and fingers with local climber Julia Stempko!
Local climber, Julia Stempko, is a C-IAYT certified yoga therapist and continuing education provider based in the San Luis Valley. Her gentle, informed teaching style helps create a welcoming, inclusive space where anyone can enjoy linking movement and breath. Some mats available.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | LATE ARRIVAL CHECK-IN
For late night Friday or Saturday morning arrivals, check in at the front gate (@ entrance to the main canyon).
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM | CLIMBING COMPETITION
Climbing competition is ON! Comp starts at 7am for those willing to brave to cold. Climb all day and get your scorecards in by 7pm!
Costumes get you extra points, so dress your best! (Please be culturally sensitive with your costume - traditional Hawaiian garb / Lei's, Indigenous headwear, etc. that may be disrespectful to existing cultures).
4:00PM - 7:00 PM | TURN IN SCORECARDS
Please be sure to turn in your scorecards at the main festival grounds to the scorekeepers. 7:00PM Cutoff for scorecards!
6:00 PM - 7:50 PM | RAFFLES @ Main Festival Grounds
Purchase raffle tickets or use your free raffle ticket to bid on some of our awesome prizes.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | PERKO'S PIZZA FOOD TRAILER
BRING CASH, there is limited service in the canyon! About 60 pizzas available, first-come first served. Sorry, no gluten-free dough.
8:00PM - 9:30 PM | PODIUM, PRIZES
Competition Winners of each category + Raffle Prize winners will be announced.
9:30PM - 2AM | DJ TYMER BUCK, DJ SPACE BUNZ
This isn't DJ Tymer's first rodeo playing an off-grid set amongst the rocks! Get psyched to welcome this Taos-based DJ, who will get your body moving with his groovy tunes and deep beats!
DJ Space Bunz is a long-time lover of Penitente Canyon and has competed in the festival as an elite climber!
*earplugs highly recommended for families & guests retiring early for the evening*
SUNDAY | OCT 5
10:00 AM | YOGA & SOUND BATH w/ JULIA STEMPKO
Julia Stempko returns to offer a sound bath for all. Close out your festival weekend with a deeply restorative yoga/movement practice sound bath designated to ground, soothe, and rejuvenate your entire being. Through crystal bowls, gentle percussion, and intentional stillness, you'll be guided into a state of deep relaxation where the body can reset and the mind can settle. A nourishing way to integrate your True Penitence experience before returning to daily life.
BRING: a mat, blanket, and any other items of support to help you feel comfortable. Some mats available.
1:00 PM | END OF EVENT
The event ends and all campsites are now open to the public. You are welcome to stick around, just make sure you start paying for your campsite!
Julia Stempko returns to offer a sound bath for all. Close out your festival weekend with a deeply restorative yoga/movement practice sound bath designated to ground, soothe, and rejuvenate your entire being. Through crystal bowls, gentle percussion, and intentional stillness, you'll be guided into a state of deep relaxation where the body can reset and the mind can settle. A nourishing way to integrate your True Penitence experience before returning to daily life.
BRING: a mat, blanket, and any other items of support to help you feel comfortable. Some mats available.
1:00 PM | END OF EVENT
The event ends and all campsites are now open to the public. You are welcome to stick around, just make sure you start paying for your campsite!
EVENT DETAILS
CAMPING
The True Penitence Climbing Festival has access to the entire canyon & campground, and attendees will be assigned camp sites upon check-in/arrival. Please consider carpooling & setting up tents. All guests must have weekend passes in order to camp, enjoy the music, and participate in the festival.
NO SERVICE - CASH ONLY!
There is limited or no service in the canyon. For Raffle tickets and other purchases, PLEASE BRING CASH in advance!
SAFE & INCLUSIVE SPACE
This is a safe and inclusive space. SLVCA will not tolerate any form of racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression or discrimination at this event. Please do your part to create a safe and inclusive place for all members in our diverse community. Guests who refuse to respect this policy will be asked to leave.
ALL DOGS ON LEASH OR AT HOME
Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but highly discouraged! Consider leaving your pooch at home, especially if you know that your pooch might not be able to handle the energy of a huge festival. All dogs in the canyon and campground must be on a leash at all times.
MAP & PARKING
See map on top of this page. Attendees will be assigned campsites depending on group size, mode of camping (tent, van), family, etc.
BLM DISCLOSURE
All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
The True Penitence Climbing Festival has access to the entire canyon & campground, and attendees will be assigned camp sites upon check-in/arrival. Please consider carpooling & setting up tents. All guests must have weekend passes in order to camp, enjoy the music, and participate in the festival.
NO SERVICE - CASH ONLY!
There is limited or no service in the canyon. For Raffle tickets and other purchases, PLEASE BRING CASH in advance!
SAFE & INCLUSIVE SPACE
This is a safe and inclusive space. SLVCA will not tolerate any form of racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression or discrimination at this event. Please do your part to create a safe and inclusive place for all members in our diverse community. Guests who refuse to respect this policy will be asked to leave.
ALL DOGS ON LEASH OR AT HOME
Well-behaved dogs are allowed, but highly discouraged! Consider leaving your pooch at home, especially if you know that your pooch might not be able to handle the energy of a huge festival. All dogs in the canyon and campground must be on a leash at all times.
MAP & PARKING
See map on top of this page. Attendees will be assigned campsites depending on group size, mode of camping (tent, van), family, etc.
BLM DISCLOSURE
All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management
COMPETITION CATEGORIES
RECREATIONAL (up to 5.10a)
For recreational or new climbers!
INTERMEDIATE (5.10b - 5.11b)
Don't let the "moderate" grades fool ya. Fish Canyon Tuff is famous for providing humble pie to the overconfident.
ADVANCED (5.11c - 5.12b)
This category is stacked with routes, but do you have the stamina to keep cranking on those tiny edges late in the day?
ELITE (5.12b and up)
Can you master the canyons "tuffest" routes and ascend to Penitent glory?
TRUE PENITENT ENDURO
Climb as many routes as you can. Your fingertips will hate you, but with sacrifice comes reward!
TRAD MASTER CRUST
This sport climbing mecca features a handful of techy, quality crack lines. Are you crusty enough??
TOP ROPE HERO!
Who doesn't love to try hard on TR? This category gets access to all routes but you must TR-send. Each hang = lost points.
A great option if you are the belayer in your team!
For recreational or new climbers!
INTERMEDIATE (5.10b - 5.11b)
Don't let the "moderate" grades fool ya. Fish Canyon Tuff is famous for providing humble pie to the overconfident.
ADVANCED (5.11c - 5.12b)
This category is stacked with routes, but do you have the stamina to keep cranking on those tiny edges late in the day?
ELITE (5.12b and up)
Can you master the canyons "tuffest" routes and ascend to Penitent glory?
TRUE PENITENT ENDURO
Climb as many routes as you can. Your fingertips will hate you, but with sacrifice comes reward!
TRAD MASTER CRUST
This sport climbing mecca features a handful of techy, quality crack lines. Are you crusty enough??
TOP ROPE HERO!
Who doesn't love to try hard on TR? This category gets access to all routes but you must TR-send. Each hang = lost points.
A great option if you are the belayer in your team!
- DOWNLOAD THE PENITENTE AREA ON MOUNTAIN PROJECT BEFORE LOSING SERVICE IN THE CANYON.
- There will be maps and topos available for phone photos, but until the new guidebook, the mountain project beta is the most current and reliable.
- Log number of attempts for every route, in case of a tiebreaker. 1 is an onsight, 2 is your second go, so on.
- Must have witness signature on each route climbed
- All Routes below your category are fair game. (Advanced can climb anything in advanced or intermediate. Intermediate can climb Intermediate & Recreational routes.)
- Return the scorecard by 7pm
- Pre-hung draws, brushing, stick-clipping, ticking is permitted
- You must send the route to get the points - no falls
- Honor system - your belayer or a witness needs to sign off on your sends
- Each route will be assigned a point value based on its difficulty. Your top routes will count towards your final score.
- Each category will be assigned its own list of routes available for climbing, released on Friday during check-in
Thank you to our Flagship Sponsor of the past 5 years - La Sportiva!
Headlining Sponsors
Sponsors for prizes and event support:
