Recap: SUDS Adaptive Rock Climbing Warriors Weekend – June 2026
On the weekend of June 21–22, 2026, fourteen wounded, injured and ill servicemembers gathered at the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas for the SUDS Warriors Weekend — a two-day adaptive rock climbing event designed to challenge participants physically and mentally in a structured, supportive environment.
The Guadalupe Mountains — home to the highest peak in Texas — provided a dramatic backdrop for an event that reminded each participant: the mountain doesn't know your diagnosis.
By the Numbers
The Route
Participants tackled two routes across the weekend, rated for varying ability levels. Adaptive harnesses, specialized gloves, and prosthetic-compatible anchoring systems were used throughout. Three AMGA-certified guides with adaptive climbing credentials led each team.
- Day 1 – El Capitan Trail section: 5.6 grade, full top-rope setup, open to all fitness levels
- Day 2 – Guadalupe Peak Approach: 5.9 grade multi-pitch section, challenge route for returning participants
Athlete Voices
"I lost my left arm in Kandahar. On Day 1, I didn't think I could get off the ground. On Day 2, I summited. I still don't fully believe it happened." — SSG (Ret), US Army Ranger, Warriors Weekend participant
"The guides never once treated us as anything other than athletes. That's the SUDS difference — adaptive sports done right, with full live sports event energy." — CPL (Ret), USMC, first-time SUDS participant
What's Next
The SUDS rock climbing program has two more weekends planned for Fall 2026 in Colorado and New Mexico. Check the full event schedule and contact us to reserve your spot. Video highlights from the Guadalupe Mountains weekend will be published to the SUDS gallery and YouTube channel within the next two weeks.