Rock Climbing

The rock at Arches offers excellent climbing opportunities, despite its sandy nature. Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Permits are not required, unless the trip involves an overnight stay in the backcountry. Climbers are encouraged to access climbing routes via established trails, slickrock or sandy washes.

It the responsibility of all climbers to know and obey park regulations and route closures. The following closures, conditions, and restrictions apply to rock climbing or similar activities such as, but not limited to, technical rock climbing, free climbing and clean aid climbing within Arches National Park:

Temporary Closures

On May 13, 2013, Arches implemented temporary closures on several climbing routes. View the news release for details.

Closures

1. Any arch or natural bridge named on the United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute topographical maps covering Arches National Park is closed to climbing year-round.
2. Balanced Rock: closed to climbing year-round.
3. Slacklining is prohibited anywhere within Arches National Park year-round.

Restrictions

1. No new permanent climbing hardware may be installed in any fixed location. If an existing bolt or other hardware item is unsafe, it may be replaced. This will limit all climbing to existing routes or new routes not requiring placement of fixed anchors.
2. Climbing anchors and/or protection points may not be placed with the use of a hammer except to replace existing belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes, or for emergency self-rescue.
3. If an existing software item (sling, runner etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced.
4. Software (webbing, accessory cords, etc.) that is left in place shall match the rock surface in color.
5. The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
6. The physical altering of rock faces such as chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited.
7. The use of motorized power drills is prohibited.
8. Fixed ropes may not be left in place for more than 24 hours. Fixed ropes left in place longer than 24 hours shall be considered "abandoned property" and removed.
9. The use of chalk for climbing must be of a color that blends with the native rock.

Definitions

Technical Rock Climbing is defined as ascending or descending a rock formation utilizing rock climbing equipment.

Free Climbing and Clean Aid Climbing are minimum impact approaches that employ chocks, stoppers, nuts and camming devices, rather than pitons or bolts, for protection or direct support. These are climbing aids that are removable and do not damage the rock.

Slacklining is defined as walking on a rope or other line that is anchored between rock formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is immaterial.