Big City Mountaineers’ mission is to provide transformative experiences through connections to nature that strengthen life skills and build community for youth from disinvested communities.

While opportunities for outdoor recreation abound in the United States, systemic inequities in our society have created barriers to outdoor access for historically disinvested communities. BCM’s goal is to break down barriers for these youth and cultivate a generation that stewards the well-being of themselves, the nature around them, and their communities.

For more than 35 years, BCM has empowered youth to harness their own power and connection to nature nationwide. Since our inception, we have conducted nearly 1,100 expeditions, served over 12,000 youth, organized 5,000 volunteers, and provided nearly 45,000 nights under the stars for youth who might not have otherwise had the opportunity.

Big City Mountaineers’ serve youth ages 12-18 who are a part of or disaffiliated from communities that have experienced historical marginalization and underrepresentation in outdoor recreational spaces. People of non-white racial identities and/or a lower socioeconomic status are often disproportionately affected by such marginalization.

BCM offers programs for youth in six major metropolitan areas across the country: Birmingham, AL; Boston, MA; Denver, CO; Minneapolis, MN; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; and Seattle, WA. Our national headquarters are located in Arvada, CO.