Graham Ottley
What's remarkable about the Colorado Mountain Club's founding story isn't just the legendary figures who started it – it's how the organization, almost from its inception, began challenging the traditional barriers that kept people from experiencing Colorado's mountains. While many outdoor organizations of the early 20th century remained exclusive social clubs, the CMC took a different path, opening its doors to anyone passionate about Colorado's peaks.
The club's founding principle of making "Colorado's alpine attractions accessible to enthusiasts" was revolutionary for its time. This wasn't just about physical access to the mountains – it was about breaking down the social and economic barriers that had historically limited outdoor recreation to the privileged few. From 25 charter members in 1912, the club grew to 200 members within just one year, demonstrating an early commitment to expansion and inclusion.
Fast-forward to today, and the Colorado Mountain Club stands as a leader in outdoor equity and inclusion. Current board leadership has "spearheaded transforming Alpine Climbing School (ACS) with a clear vision on how it can be useful to all aspiring climbers in Colorado with focus on building diversity and inclusion, especially for womens+ members."
The organization now maintains comprehensive "Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging Resources" for CMC Leaders, Instructors and School Directors, including specialized training sessions covering topics like bias awareness, microaggressions, and allyship. This isn't just talk – it's actionable change with structured training materials including "Intro and Definitions," "Bias and Microaggressions," and "Examining Power Privilege & Allyship" sessions.
What connects the CMC of 1912 to the CMC of 2025 is this consistent thread of progressive evolution. The same spirit that drove the founders to make Colorado's mountains accessible to all has evolved into today's commitment to ensuring that "The Colorado Mountain Club community inspires adventure, empowers progression, and protects the lands we love" for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or experience level.
The club's current mission goes beyond just outdoor recreation. With "over 1,700 trips and outings each year, nearly 200 educational courses and clinics, and specific interest groups," the CMC has become a comprehensive outdoor education platform designed to meet people where they are and help them progress at their own pace.
This progressive evolution wasn't accidental. It reflects the organization's recognition that true conservation and outdoor advocacy requires diverse voices and perspectives. When the CMC advocates for public lands protection today, it does so with the understanding that these spaces must be accessible and welcoming to all Coloradans, not just those who have traditionally had access to outdoor recreation.
From breaking barriers in 1912 to building belonging in 2025, the Colorado Mountain Club continues to prove that progressive values and mountain adventures go hand in hand. The peaks haven't changed, but our approach to who gets to enjoy them has evolved dramatically – and that's exactly the kind of progress worth celebrating.
Sources: Colorado Mountain Club historical records, CMC Board of Directors profiles, and CMC Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging Resources
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