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Big Bend National ParkNow entering bear and mountain lion country
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Big Bend National Park
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?
A few miles into Green Gulch, to the left of the road and high on the slopes of Lost Mine Peak, is a small cave that looks like a little house and is called the Watchman's House. According to legend, this cave is occupied by the ghost of the Indian slave who guarded the mine in the Chisos Mountains.
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Last Updated: November 07, 2006 at 10:42 EST