A modular tree climbing ladder including a support member, at least one stabilizing bracket secured to the support member, and a pair of steps pivotally secured to the support member. The support member includes a front piece and a rear piece configured to form two channels that oppose one another and form an interior angle of less than 180 degrees. The steps are each pivotally secured to the support member within one of respective said opposing channels such that each of said steps oppose one another and form an angle equal to said interior angle. The steps are independently rotatable from a vertical (or storage) position to a horizontal (or operational) position. The steps include a stepping surface and are secured to said support member such that respective stepping surfaces are coplanar when both steps are in the horizontal position. The modular tree climbing ladder can further include a securing belt mounting bracket that is secured to the support member.