BUY YOUR TICKETS on Ticket Tailor:
VOLUNTEER FOR FREE ENTRY
Sign up for a 4-hr shift to help throw this thang, and get free weekend entry.
FOLLOW @SLVClimbers on Instagram for the latest updates
EVENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCT. 2
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/ SLVCA Founders Wes O'Rourke & Angela Lee
SLVCA's founding members, Angela Lee and Wes O'Rourke will share a slideshow of all things San Luis Valley!
8:00 PM | FILM SHOWING and LIVE Q&A: Matt Segal & Shara Zaia
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/ SLVCA Founders Wes O'Rourke & Angela Lee
SLVCA's founding members, Angela Lee and Wes O'Rourke will share a slideshow of all things San Luis Valley!
8:00 PM | FILM SHOWING and LIVE Q&A: Matt Segal & Shara Zaia
- "SHARP EDGES" - feat. Shara Zaia for a live Panel and Q&A
- "LA SOMBRA DEL CHAMÁN" - feat. Matt Segal for a live Panel and Q&A
- "LA RUBIA" - feat. Bronwyn Hodgins, made by Julia Cassou
- "BEAUTY IN A FALL" - feat. Julianna Howatt
SATURDAY | OCT. 3 (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 | FOOD TRUCK (TBD)
BRING CASH, there is limited service in the canyon!
8:00PM - 9:30 PM | PODIUM, PRIZES
Competition Winners of each category + Raffle Prize winners will be announced.
9:30PM - 2AM | DJ MELODY MONROE
DJ Melody Monroe has been a supporter of the climbing fest for years, helping the organization with the sound systems & lights. A true local legend of Del Norte, she is geared up to blow your climbing shoes off your feet with her flow, heavy beats, and unique sound.
*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 | FOOD TRUCK (TBD)
BRING CASH, there is limited service in the canyon!
8:00PM - 9:30 PM | PODIUM, PRIZES
Competition Winners of each category + Raffle Prize winners will be announced.
9:30PM - 2AM | DJ MELODY MONROE
DJ Melody Monroe has been a supporter of the climbing fest for years, helping the organization with the sound systems & lights. A true local legend of Del Norte, she is geared up to blow your climbing shoes off your feet with her flow, heavy beats, and unique sound.
*earplugs highly recommended for families & guests retiring early for the evening*
SUNDAY | OCT 4
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 6 years - La Sportiva!
Sponsors for prizes and event support:
