Liz Rocks Climbing wall opening in the new Pearl Street Family YMCA January 2026!!
The Liz Rocks Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for urban and underrepresented youth to get outdoors and reach new peaks in honor of mountaineer and Tacoma local Liz Daley who was tragically lost in a snowboarding accident while living her dream.
Our Mission
Our mission is to not only bring climbing to an urban area but to also provide underrepresented urban youth the opportunities to reach new peaks through mountain-related activities in the wilderness.
Providing youth opportunities to participate in physical and mental challenges can help build confidence and improve teamwork skills. Participating in outdoor activities encourages students become environmental stewards with a hands-on approach.
What started as a grassroots dream has grown into a movement powered by community. Through our partnership with the Pearl Street Family YMCA — and collaborations with local schools, youth outdoor programs, and community organizations — the Liz Rocks Foundation is creating real access to climbing and adventure for urban and underrepresented youth.
We raised $150,000 to bring Liz’s spirit to life through the new Liz Rocks Climbing Wall, giving youth a safe and inspiring place to climb. Now, we’re helping them take those new skills beyond the wall into the mountains, forests, and wild places that spark courage, leadership, and connection.
We have raised over $150K to build a climbing wall in honor of Liz Daley. This wall will be constructed in the new Pearl Street Family YMCA.
We have partnered with local high schools to fund snowshoeing trips on Mt. Rainier.
Two scholarship recipients have attended a week+ leadership mountaineering course and successfully summited Mt. Baker.
Liz Rocks is a local grass roots non-profit organization run by a group of outdoor enthusiasts passionate about our mission and honoring Liz’s legacy. We rely on support from community members and partners like to you to provide opportunities for underrepresented youth to reach new peaks.
We partner with organizations to provide scholarships, sponsorship, gear and programming to youth.
You may volunteer at one of our events or offer a specialized service to support our mission.
We rely on donations to fund trips, provide transportation, buy gear and support operations. Anything helps!