Lynn Hill, one of America's celebrated climbers, will be on hand this weekend when the 2011 Climb Smart Festival comes to Joshua Tree National Park to help the park celebrate it's 75th anniversary.

The event this Friday through Sunday, put on by the park and the nonprofit Friends of Joshua Tree, invites climbers of all skill levels and fans of the park to mark the start of the climbing season with clinics, camping, park projects, vendor fair, and connecting with kindred spirits and giving back to the park.
 
Clinics for all abilities will be led by American Mountain Guide Association-accredited guides from Cliffhanger Guides, Uprising, Vertical Adventures and Wilderness Outings. Lynn Hill, one of the most influential American climbers in history, as well as Brittany Griffith (Black Diamond and Patagonia ambassador athlete), and Kurt Smith (Evolve athlete) will be at the festival holding skills clinics and multimedia presentations.
 
"This will be the 14th year for the festival," said Ms. Griffith. "Climb Smart is a unique grassroots event that welcomes the beginner climber, the seasoned climber, the climber that wants to meet new friends, or just give back to the place where they play. The result is an eclectic group with varying backgrounds, and stories, that share a common passion, coming together and making for a great event."
 
During the festival, climbers and park supporters will have the opportunity to learn about and shape park policy as the park's long-term general management plan goes under review this year. Park policy toward climbing nationwide is heavily influenced by Joshua Tree, one of the world-renowned climbing destinations in the United States.
 
"Climb Smart started as a way to educate people on proper climbing techniques while promoting stewardship to the places we love," said Kenji Haroutunian, president of Friends of Joshua Tree. "The relationship of climbers and the National Park Service has steadily improved over the years, and this year's event celebrates everyone's hard work preserving the Park as a haven for all user groups as well as climbers."
 
A one-time $105 fee will give attendees an all-access pass to the weekend event's festival, clinics, camping and fun at the new festival location, Joshua Tree Lake Campground. A Saturday night only pass for the dinner party featuring Lynn Hill and music by the Cactus Pricks is also available for $25. To register for Climb Smart 2011, register at www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=220907 .
 
Presenting sponsors of 2011 Climb Smart are Black Diamond, Adventure 16, The North Face, adidas Outdoor, Evolve Sports, Sterling Ropes, Revo, Joshua Tree National Park, Five Ten, Sierra Designs and Kelty.