Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing
A project of Madison Central Lions Club
Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing, a project of Madison Central Lions Club, empowers participants to break barriers, embrace challenges, and experience the joy of inclusion in the rock climbing community.
Watch as blind climber John Heim rappels down a cliff for the first time.
Our Goals:
- Improve Physical Fitness: Climbing challenges muscles, coordination, and mobility, increasing strength and flexibility.
- Promote a Sense of Community: Our adaptive climbing program provides a space where individuals with disabilities can connect with peers and participate alongside non-disabled climbers in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and encouragement.
- Raise Awareness: Inclusive climbing events and programs educate the public about persons with disabilities and help to break down stereotypes.
For more information, contact the Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing team at
wisconsinadaptiveclimbing@gmail.com.
Or join our mailing list by clicking
wisconsin-adaptive-climbing+subscribe@googlegroups.com
or
https://groups.google.com/group/wisconsin-adaptive-climbing.
2026 Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing Trip
- Location: Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Date: June 5–7, 2026
- Cost: Free to all participants
Join us in 2026 at Devil's Lake State Park for a free, inclusive weekend of outdoor adventure! Challenge yourself on the park's iconic purple quartzite cliffs with the guidance of experienced adaptive climbing instructors in a safe and supportive environment.
Camping at the Upper Ice Age Campground, meals, and all necessary climbing and camping gear are provided. Whether you're a climber with a disability or a volunteer helper, you'll be part of a welcoming, empowering community.
If you plan to join us, please fill out this survey by May 22nd: Devil's Lake 2026 Spring Trip Questionnaire Or contact wisconsinadaptiveclimbing@gmail.com for more information.
Sites Reserved
- Upper Ice Age campground, sites A5 and A6. See map for location
- The sites are available Friday at 3pm through Sunday morning. Showers, water, and accessible toilets are available near the site.
- Camping starts Friday, but group climbing doesn’t start until Saturday.
Planned climbing area
- The Bedroom and Leaning Tower/Tombstone on Saturday and Sunday
- Meet at Steinke Basin to drive up the access road or the CCC parking lot to hike up the trail. See map for locations
Itinerary
Friday evening, June 5, 2026
- Weekend campers arrive and settle into sites. Pitch tents and meet everyone.
- 5-6ish pm: Dinner over the campfire
- Prior to sunset: Anchor setters head up to Leaning Tower to set anchors for Saturday
- Sunset at 8:41
Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 6-7am: Anchor setters head up to set anchors at The Bedroom
- 6-6:30: Campers and climbers wake up and get ready for the day
- 7-8am: Breakfast
- 8:30am: Meet at Steinke Basin or CCC parking lot
- Climb/hangout all day with lunch whenever
- 3pm: pack up gear and head back to camp.
- 5-6pm: Head for dinner out or send out for pizza, discuss how today went and plans for Sunday.
- Campfire after dinner
Sunday, June 7, 2026
- 6-7am: Setters head up to set anchors
- 7-8am: Breakfast
- 8-9am: Clean up campsite
- 9:30am: Head up to the climbing area
- 2-3pm: Finish climbing and head back to Steinke Basin
Weather
Prepare for sun or rain and temperatures from 40F at night to 90F during the day. Bring your sunscreen, electrolytes, and bug spray! We will have a large water container to share, but you must have your own water bottle.
Other Notes
Don’t forget to buy your park pass if you are bringing a vehicle. Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim in the lake. So refreshing after a hot day climbing! Plan to have at least 2L of water/person each day. A limited number of headlamps and flashlights are available. Bring your own if possible. Also bring your own bug spray, sunscreen, tiki torches etc
Maps
2025 Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing Trip
- Location: Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913
- Dates: Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Cost: Free to all participants
Climbers and volunteers gathered at Devil's Lake State Park from June 27 to 29 for our annual Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing weekend. Participants camped at the Upper Ice Age Campground, enjoyed meals together, and explored the park's iconic purple quartzite cliffs.
Saturday brought intense summer heat, but our group toughed it out and climbed at The Bedroom and Leaning Tower. Experienced adaptive climbing instructors created a safe, supportive atmosphere, helping both new and returning participants challenge themselves and connect with the climbing community.
By Sunday, the forecasted high temperatures were in full force. After breakfast and packing up camp, we decided to give the rocks a break and headed to the beach at Devil's Lake to cool off — an ideal way to wrap up the weekend.
This free, inclusive event would not have been possible without our dedicated volunteers, anchor setters, and helpers who made the climbing accessible for everyone. We're already looking forward to next year's adventure!
Wisconsin Adaptive Climbing In the News
- Adaptive climbing makes the sport accessible to all, Isthmus, December 4, 2022
- Madison-based adaptive climbing program allows the sport to be accessible to all, WMTV News
Adaptive Climbing Programs In Wisconsin
Green Bay
Odyssey Climbing + Fitness
- 686 Mike McCarthy Way, Suite 100, Green Bay, WI 54304
- 920-264-9439
- https://www.odysseyclimbing.com
Madison
Boulders Climbing Gym
- Adaptive climbing clinic held on the last Sunday of each month, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
- 3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI 53714
- 608-244-8100
- https://www.bouldersgym.com
Milwaukee
Marquette University Adaptive Abilities Club
Adventure Rock
- 21250 W Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53072
- 262-790-6800 *1
- adaptive@adventurerock.com
- https://adventurerock.com