• Sierra del Carmen

    Big Bend

    National Park Texas

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • PANTHER JUNCTION VISITOR CENTER TEMPORARY CLOSURE

    The Panther Junction Visitor Center will be closed Tuesday May 28 and Wednesday May 29 for needed maintenance. Information, backcountry permits, and entrance fee payments can be taken care of at the Chisos Basin Visitor Center.

Rock Climbing Regulations

 

Definition
Technical rock climbing is defined as any activity involving the use of rope to ascend or descend rock.

General Information
Sturdy rock lending itself to safe rock climbing is very limited in the park. The great majority of the park's exposed vertical rock is composed of unstable igneous rock and sharp fluted limestone.

Regulations

  1. The use of portable electric drills is prohibited.
  2. The use of hand operated drills is allowed only with the written approval of the Superintendent.
  3. Climbing, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource is prohibited.
  4. Technical rock climbing on rock faces within ¼ mile of known peregrine eyries, as posted, will not be allowed between February 1 and May 31.
  5. The rock faces of Casa Grande peak are closed to climbing.
  6. All trash, including toilet paper, must be packed out.
  7. Because colored chalk can permanently stain rock, only white chalk without oil-based additives may be used.
  8. All webbing must be removed upon conclusion of climbing activities.

Did You Know?

The Rio Grande forms the international boundary between the United States and Mexico

Including both Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River, the National Park Service administers 245 miles of border — 13% of the entire United States-Mexico border. More...