PILGRIMAGE 2026
The Illinois Climbers Association is proud to present the Holy Boulders Pilgrimage​ on Saturday, October 31, 2026​!
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Nestled on a Southern Illinois hillside, the Holy Boulders is a world-class bouldering area offering classic lines of all grades on perfectly textured sandstone. Help us to continue to raise funds for the Holy Boulders and Illinois climbing to ensure access to future generations by participating in our annual competition!
Ticket Pricing​
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First 100 tickets at $75
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Tickets 101-200 at $85
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Tickets 201-300 at $95
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Regular price at $105
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We are capping registration at 425 competitors and 100 spectators this year.
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Spectator tickets are $40. Spectators under 13 are $20.
Competitor Registration Includes
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Entrance to Pilgrimage: The Holy Boulders Competition
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Camping: Friday & Saturday night
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After party with the Swamp Tigers & DJ Sandstoned
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Dinner on Saturday after climbing
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Competitor t-shirt
Spectator Registration Includes
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Spectating to Pilgrimage: The Holy Boulders Competition. No climbing on Saturday during the competition window
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Camping: Friday & Saturday night
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After party with the Swamp Tigers & DJ Sandstoned
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Dinner on Saturday after climbing
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T-shirts available for purchase separately
Dinner
Dinner Saturday night is included in competitor and spectator registration. No other food is available onsite for other meals; plan accordingly.
Sweatshirts
Pilgrimage: The Holy Boulders Competition hooded sweatshirts ($40) are available through pre-order only. Please order yours when purchasing your ticket. Hooded sweatshirts WILL NOT be available at the competition.
How do I pick my category?
Please choose a category based on whether or not you could complete two previously unclimbed problems (in a given day) of that grade. That will likely put you into the appropriate category. Be honest; we have and will bump sandbaggers.
Women's Categories
Beginner (V0-V2)
Intermediate (V3-V4)
Advanced (V5-V6)
Elite (V7+)
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Youth - Ages 13 and under
Stonemaster - Ages 40-49
Crusty Stonemaster - Ages 50+
Men's Categories
Beginner (V0-V2)
Intermediate (V3-V4)
Advanced (V5-V7)
Elite (V8+)
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Youth - Ages 13 and under
Stonemaster - Ages 40-49
Crusty Stonemaster - Ages 50+
Additional Categories
Adaptive Division
All Ages
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Nonbinary Division
All Ages
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Circuitmaster
Most Cumulative Points
EVENT SCHEDULE
*This event takes place on private property at 1 Tripps Ln., Pomona IL. The public is only permitted here during the competition.
Friday, October 30, 2026
2 p.m. | Competition site opens
5 p.m. | Competitor and spectator check-in begins
7 p.m. | Halloween film screening and pumpkin carving
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Saturday, October 31, 2026
7:30 a.m. | Registration opens
9 a.m. | Climbing begins
4 p.m. | Climbing ends
5 p.m. | Awards
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After Party with the Swamp Tigers and DJ Sandstoned
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Sunday, November 1, 2026
Finish yesterday's projects! Pack out all trash.
PILGRIMAGE VOLUNTEERS
Interested in volunteering your time at the 2026 Holy Boulders Pilgrimage? All volunteers get free dinner on Saturday, the competition shirt, permission to camp, our eternal gratitude, and are allowed to spectate for free during the competition. Please only complete this form if you are confident that you can commit to a volunteer role; everyone who volunteers plays a key role in keeping the hundreds of people who join us safe, well-fed, and happy!