Location: Victory House, Club 300 Room at the Epicenter, 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa
Date and Time: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 @ 6:30 PM
Daniel Vasquez is a Santa Rosa resident and climber whose journey began in 2014 after a first date with Becka Kelley. Becka was an experienced climber and guide, who nurtured Daniel’s love of climbing.
In this presentation, Daniel shares the experiences and adventures that have shaped his relationship with Devils Tower—also known as Bear Lodge—one of the most iconic, sacred, and awe-inspiring monolithic formations in the world. His story is one of love, loss, honor, healing, and celebration, adventure and connection.
Daniel first visited in 2017 with Becka, who carried a deep connection to the place. He was captivated by the splitter cracks and the imposing presence of the formation, but what stayed with him most was seeing Becka’s joy and sparkle in a landscape she once called home. After Becka passed away in 2018 following a long battle with mental illness, Daniel began returning to the Tower each year as a spiritual journey and personal pilgrimage. The annual trip became a way to honor her life, grieve the loss, climb the cracks she loved, and be held by the place that had held his dear friend so closely.
Each year since, Daniel has made the long road trip to Devils Tower, choosing a slightly different route and visiting notable climbing destinations along the way. Beyond the climbing, scenery, historic landmarks, and occasional memorable beer, the fondest moments have come from sharing these experiences with dear friends and with his partner, Kate, while continuing to honor the memory of his dear friend, former partner, and climbing mentor.
Daniel hopes this presentation will inspire fellow climbers to create their own “Road to the Tower”—to seek out new adventures, new climbing destinations, and meaningful journeys of their own.
