Our Mission

Established in 1989, Friends of Pinnacles is an organization of rock climbers dedicated to preserving the natural resources at Pinnacles National Park, and climber's access to those resources. Friends of Pinnacles will work cooperatively with the National Park Service, nonaffiliated climbers, other interest groups, and the public to:

1. Reduce impact and rehabilitate high-use areas at the Pinnacles
2. Provide for effective and appropriate management of climbing activities
3. Provide for construction and maintenance of trails and facilities used by climbers
4. Develop and distribute educational materials
5. Generally promote the Leave No Trace (LNT) ethic of outdoor recreation

Friends of Pinnacles is a nonpartisan group which any climber may join without a requisite membership fee.

Board Of Directors

Bruce Hildenbrand (President)

Self-appointed safety administrator, climbing guru and all-around great guy. If you've climbed at the Pinnacles, chances are you have clipped a bolt or used a belay Bruce graciously replaced or installed. Bruce has been a board member since 1990.

Kelly Rich (COO)

Kelly is a founding member of FOP and one of the most prolific route establishers at the Pinns. No doubt you've climbed several of his routes. Kelly has been a board member since 1990 and remains committed to the basic philosophies promoted by FOP.

Brooks White (CTO/Acting Secretary)

A board member since 1992, Brooks is the engine that drives the day to day function of FOP. A huge proponent of the power of the World Wide Web to unite communities via the Internet Brooks focuses his work on the FOP Web site.

Clint Cummins (Board Member)

Clint's work has been critical towards keeping climbing healthy at the Pinnacles. He has worked tirelessly over the years to keep current on all aspects of the park and we are proud to have his expertise on staff.

Brad Young (Member & Guideboook Author)

A newer member of the Board, Brad brings encyclopedic knowledge of the Park to our table. Not too mention that he has established and climbed a few routes in his day.

Dennis Erik Strom (Member & Master Of Mud)

Also a recent addition to the FOP Board, Dennis contributes years of climbing experience along with his "in-the-trenches" knowledge that comes with administering the Mud 'N Crud Web Forum.

** Special Mention! **

David Rubine

Although he is now officially a resident of Colorado (some decent climbing out there) David remains an honorary board member. David authored the 1995 Pinnacles Climbing Guide Book and is the other cofounder of FOP. David is credited with establishing many of the classic routes at the park.