![Climber representatives pose in front of the nation's capital in Washington, DC, last week during the Access Fund and American Alpine Club's third annual Climb the Hill event, which included more than 60 delegates. [Photo] Stephen Gosling](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/climb-the-hill-2018-recap-1-3-640x620.jpg)
On May 9-11, some of the nation’s most prominent climbers took off their down jackets and donned suits on Capitol Hill to advocate for public lands, outdoor recreation and environmental issues. Nick Mott recaps some of the highlights along with some of the challenges ahead.
![[Painting] Craig Muderlak](https://alpinist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/in-the-bears-lodge-1-930x620.jpg)
Many climbers observe the voluntary climbing ban at Bear Lodge (Devils Tower) during the month of June as their way to show respect for local Native American cultures. In this Climbing Life piece from Alpinist 57, Nick Mott speaks with Milo Yellowhair from the Oglala Lakota and Arvol Looking Horse, Chief of the Nakota, Dakota and Lakota, and others to learn more about their views on the history.
