Climbing

Climbing in RMNP
Climbing in RMNP

NPS

Climbing has been a popular activity in and around the area known today as Rocky Mountain National Park since the 1800's. The wide variety of peaks and granite rock formations in the park provide excellent opportunities for a wide spectrum of climbing including traditional alpine climbing, big wall, bouldering, snow and ice, and mountaineering.

Today, Rocky Mountain National Park is a place that calls to local climbers as well as those from all around the world.

Opportunities for climbing exist in many areas of the park from Lumpy Ridge to Longs Peak and other high alpine mountains. Whichever activity you select, it is your responsibility to respect the areas you visit, minimize your impacts, and know and obey all park regulations.

 

Climbing Ethics

All visitors who climb in RMNP are asked to take personal responsibility for the care of the fragile resources we all love. To accomplish this goal, please adopt this code of ethics for low impact climbing and share it with your fellow climbers:

  • Accept responsibility for yourself and others.
  • Use wag bags and pack out all human waste. Use toilets when available.
  • Carry out all climbing gear. Stashed ropes, rock protection, and bouldering pads are considered abandoned property as well as trash. Leaving climbing gear behind harms wildlife, damages wilderness areas, and is illegal.
  • Use existing access trails to approach climbs. Tread lightly when this is not possible, walking on durable surfaces. Avoid short-cutting trails which causes erosion and plant damage.
  • Know and respect historic and environmentally sensitive areas.
  • Be considerate of wildlife and other users.
  • Leave the rock and its environs in its natural condition. Avoid placing permanent protection and altering the rock in other ways such as chipping and gluing.
  • Renew your commitment to follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Know and abide by local regulations.


Overnight Permits

Climbers who wish to stay overnight in one of the park's Wilderness Technical Climbing Bivouac Zones should contact RMNP's Wilderness Office at 970-586-1242 for specific information on permit procedures, backcountry conditions, and climbing regulations. A permit for day-use climbing or mountaineering is not required.


Be Prepared for Anticipated Conditions

Mountain conditions are often vastly different from those in the valley. Snow often stays in the mountains until mid-July. Afternoon storms can pop up without warning and bring lightning, rain, and hail to the peaks. Rockfall can quickly change a route. Conditions in the mountains can change suddenly.

Always be prepared when traveling in Rocky Mountain National Park.

  • Check conditions before heading out
  • Pack for variable and changing weather
  • Let someone know your plans, and what route you plan to take and stick to your plan.
  • Be prepared to turn around if conditions worsen, if you are not feeling well, or if members of your party are ready to turn back. It is always ok to turn around and try another day.

For more information on lightning safety when climbing, visit the park's Lightning Safety webpage.

 
Infographic showing a simple map of RMNP and where your timed entry permit will allow you to visit

Timed Entry Reservations

Depending on where you are planning to climb and what time of day you plan to arrive, you might need a timed entry reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. For details and to see a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit the park's Timed Entry webpage.

 

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Last updated: August 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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