Thank you everyone who took part in this event. We appreciate each and everyone one of you for coming together to not only help raise money, but to celebrate community and practice being good stewards of the New River Gorge and surrounding area.

Thank you to all who help put this event together and to those who offered their services:

Want to try the solve the clues on your own? Download the Clue Sheet here:

Golden Carabiner 2025

A world of pure imagination awaits with the New River Gorge Golden Carabiner Hunt! Presented by Water Stone Outdoors and Black Diamond, this climbing scavenger hunt will raise funds for the New River Alliance of Climbers. 30 Golden Carabiners will be hidden in the Gorge for you and your partner to find and redeem for Black Diamond prizes! We will finish the evening with an afterparty!

 

Event Registration/Clue sheet donation: $20

All proceeds will be donated to NRAC and the WV Land Trust to support development at Sandstonia

What:

A scavenger hunt event, open to all (with clue sheet purchase), where you and your partner have to find the hidden Golden Carabiners located on routes around New River Gorge. You will be provided with a clue sheet and map to help you. Solve the clues and use the map to unlock the secret location of the golden carabiners. Return the golden carabiners to Water Stone Outdoors and you and your belayer will win prizes from Black Diamond

When: 

All events will start from Water Stone Outdoors, unless otherwise noted.

  • September 20, 2025 - Golden Carabiner Event (7a - 5:30p)

    • Clue sheet pickup (7a)

    • Prize Redemption (5:30p - 6:30p)

    • After Party (5:30p - 8:30p, all participants and everyone welcome! There will be food and drinks)

  • September 21, 2025 - Stewardship Day (9a - around 1p)

    • Meet at the Sandstonia Parking lot at 9a

    • Bring water and gloves, if possible

    • Coffee and bagels are provided

Where:

Water Stone Outdoors and New River Gorge Climbing Areas

Parking at the crags: Please carpool with your partner and follow all parking rules. Do not make your own parking spaces; some of the parking lots are on privately-owned land. Feel free to call the store if you need assistance in finding parking.

Parking in town: Please carpool and be respectful of where you’re parking. Here is a link to a town map with different parking options: Click here

Who:

Open to all, grades will range from 5.6 to 5.12. Teams of two will work best as each carabiner will have a prize for climber and belayer but feel free to climb in whatever group size you prefer. The routes involved will be both sport and traditional climbs but you get to decide which routes to go hunting on. Participants should be safe climbers with at least one competent lead climber.

How:

Pick up your clue sheet from Water Stone Outdoors starting at 7am on 9/20. Use the clues to find the golden Black Diamond carabiners attached to route anchors throughout the New River Gorge (Don’t forget to take pictures!)

Return to Water Stone Outdoors between 530p & 630 to trade in your carabiner for prizes. (One carabiner per team, please!)

Then join us at the after party from 530p to 830p! Use your clue sheet redeem your free meal and drinks! There will be additional food and beverages for sale.

All are welcome to the after party, even if they did not take part in the scavenger hunt!

Any clue sheets purchased after the Noon on 9/19 will need to reach out to Brenna.king@bdel.com with a screen shot of their purchase to receive their clue list or plan on purchasing the morning of the event.

 

Disclaimer: Climbing is inherently dangerous; you are responsible for your own safety. If you do not feel safe or cannot exercise good judgment, please do not participate in this event. 

 

Rules:

  • Registration which includes a clue sheet must be purchased by both participants (belayer and climber) to redeem their golden carabiner for prizes. Registration also includes entry to the After party.

  • Both Climber and Belayer may redeem their Golden Carabiner for gear at the afterparty at the Water Stone Outdoors on 9/20 from 5:30-6:30p. Only one must be present to collect prizes.

  • Each participant pair is only eligible to find one Golden Carabiner but both participants get a prize.

  • Participants MUST take a photo once they find their Golden Carabiner. Carabiners found before 7a on 9/20 will be disqualified.

  • Please practice Leave No Trace, follow parking rules, and always follow area ethics.

  • Be safe and courteous of other participants and those around you