Cotrell likens the sport to big wave surfing.

"Typically what we have seen is that folks who rock climb know what they are doing. They have training, they have equipment. Like surfers who go out at pipeline on a big day, they self-regulate themselves.  We don’t think we have to be involved in this one," Cottrell said.

Richardson offers a diving analogy.

"Consider scuba diving. It can be extremely safe and rewarding and fun but everyone knows you need instruction, same thing with climbing," said Richardson.

Richardson says the climbers use national and international standards and equipment and hope state lawmakers will keep an open mind about equal access to a treasured resource.