Bio
When Ron Kauk was 12 years old his family drove from their Bay-area home to Yosemite, California for a camping trip. They camped for a week in the valley and explored the rugged mountains and high country surrounding Yosemite. During the trip they hiked to the top of Half Dome – a big hike for a 12-year old. But Ron was at that perfect age when new experiences make an imprint and the hike didn't seem long to him, just exciting.

Two years later, at 14, Ron left for a 20-day backpacking trip through the Sierras with a high school group and the hook that would tie him to those large, expansive spaces was set. After that trip, he didn't want to ride bikes with the other teenagers. He wanted to rappel. He returned to Yosemite in 1972 and signed up for a rock climbing class. The rest, as they say, is history.

Ron has been pushing the limits of free climbing worldwide for three decades: from the first ascent of Astroman and Midnight Lightning in the late '70s to the first 5.14 in the Valley in the '90s. Focused and passionate, he is a minimalist, well-grounded in all aspects of the rock. And when he's not climbing, Ron works to protect Yosemite from over-development and abuse.

"It's important to me to inspire people to get out in nature," he says. "I like to question: What's influencing them? What will get them out there? That's what I'm interested in."

Sacred Rok
In January 2010, Ron launched a small nonprofit 501(c)3 organization called Sacred Rok. The mission of Sacred Rok is to support youth in nature, helping them learn to respect nature and through that, to respect themselves. They incorporate charitable and educational activities to support youth, including presentations about the meaning and value of appreciating nature, nature walks, hikes, camping trips and rock climbing. There is no cost to the camper. Sacred Rok seeks only donations and support for the agency that arranges the camping trips. Learn more at sacredrok.org.

Other Projects
"I've been traveling with the film, Return to Balance – A Climber's Journey. It won the People's Choice Award at the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Nevada City.

"We've been using it to do fundraisers for groups like ONDA (Oregon Natural Desert Association) and we're showing it every Sunday in the Yosemite Theatre.

"We hope the film will inspire people to get out into nature and become more compassionate for our water, our air and the natural world.

"My plans for the future are pretty simple. I want to continue to learn to climb better. Climbing is a way of life and I'm still excited about learning to climb. You always have to dig deeper, you know? I get inspired by what people are doing now and what they've done before. It's an evolution. You try and try to get to the level of your heroes – those climbers you look up to, who came before you – then you try to go somewhere else. Take what you learned to a different place. So you're always learning, and growing."

Environmental Projects
"I've been working on a project to complete the restoration of Fern Spring. I'd always see the sign for Fern Spring by the side of the road, but when we'd go visit, there was nothing but dirt. There certainly weren't any ferns. So we put in a proposal that was accepted by the Park Service and now the ferns are coming back and the water is protected.

"I think we have to use our minds and think about what we're doing. We can tie ourselves into nature, connect with it and be inspired and maybe through that connection we become activists."

"I find it a privilege to be allowed to be an activist. I feel like I'm representing nature. You know, I enjoy it. I'm down for the cause."

Favorite Products
"Right now, I wear my Patagonia Hooded Sweatshirt nearly every day. It's made from organic cotton and is super comfortable. I climb in it or just hang. It's keeps me warm on cool spring days here in the valley.

"I'm also really digging the Aimless Jeans. I didn't think anything would ever get me out of my [Levis] 501's, but the Aimless Jeans are just so comfortable. You can use them for everything. Walk to the base of the cliff in them, climb in them, split your firewood. They're a great pair of jeans.

"And I'm always into Patagonia Flannel Shirts. They're a great weight – really warm and comfortable. Between the flannel shirt, the Aimless Jean and the Hoody, I’m pretty much set."

Other Interests
"I watch Democracy Now on 'Link TV' with Amy Goodman. It provides an incredible insight into democracy. I think everyone should watch that show so they know what's going on. So they can stay current.

"But even more important, as soon as you turn off the channel to 'Link TV,' go outside and sit by a stream. Or under a tree. Because if we forget to commune with nature, we'll never know who we really are.

"In this modern world it's become even more important to be aware and connect with nature. So I finish my group talks by suggesting to people that they join a local group – to participate in stewardship of some kind. It's important to take responsibility for a sense of place. We need to be responsible for our area in life and be stewards of the places that are important to us."

Quotable
"It's important to get people out in nature. To get them to recognize what it means. We think we know all about it, but we need to inspire people to learn more."