Local Legend: Annie Jones

For Annie Jones, climbing is a way to reconnect—with the outdoors, with community, and with herself.

Her climbing journey began while living in Zion National Park. After being introduced to climbing, she simply kept trying it, eventually finding a home in Atlanta where she worked at Stone Summit Atlanta and met some of the people who would become an important part of her climbing community.

Today, Annie’s favorite SCC climbing areas include Rocktown and Foster Falls, but it’s the work that happens beyond the routes that has made the SCC especially meaningful to her.

As someone who has always loved the outdoors and protecting the places she spends time in, Annie has a particular appreciation for the SCC’s stewardship work. Trail maintenance is a passion of hers, so she notices the effort that goes into keeping climbing areas accessible, sustainable, and cared for.

“I love that y’all work on the trails regularly and have educated people on staff and that volunteer to do this. Trail maintenance is a love of mine, so I notice the hard work put in!”

For Annie, climbing has also become an escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life. There’s something about climbing with like-minded people in beautiful places that allows her to slow down and reconnect with what matters.

“When I’m on the wall it really quiets the mind and forces you to focus on one singular thing.”

Of course, every climber has those routes that hold a special place in their memory. For Annie, Dreamscape at Sandrock stands out for its unique features, while the Sherman Roof at Rocktown holds a special place in her climbing history. The Shermiator was her first outdoor V4—a milestone that’s hard to forget.

From Zion to Atlanta and from the climbing wall to the trails, Annie’s story is a great reminder that climbing is about more than the routes we climb. It’s about the places that inspire us, the people we meet along the way, and the work we put in to make sure those places are here for the next climber.

We’re grateful to have Annie as part of the SCC community and proud to call her one of our Local Legends.

Want to Get Involved?

Annie’s story is a great example of how giving back can be as simple as showing up. Become an SCC member, sign up for an upcoming Trail Day, or find another way to lend a hand in protecting the places we climb. Every volunteer, member, and supporter helps keep our climbing areas open, cared for, and thriving for years to come.

Join the SCC community and get involved today!