Arches Establishes Resource Protection Closure

News Release Date: April 18, 2011

Contact: Denny Ziemann, 435-719-2120

Arches National Park has established a visitor use closure of the area known as “Highway 191 Boulders” or “the Arches Boulders” for protection of park resources. Bouldering, rock climbing, rock scrambling, and other similar activities are now prohibited in this area within 500 feet inside the park boundary, in accordance with 36 CFR 1.5.  

The National Park Service (NPS) initiated this closure to protect park resources found within the area after evaluation of the site by park resource management staff. This evaluation was part of the current public planning process for the park’s Climbing and Canyoneering Management Plan.  

Proactively protecting park resources is integral to the NPS mission – and, in the case of this area the NPS must take steps to prevent further resource damage. The NPS's Organic Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act all help park managers decide how best to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources within our country’s national parks.  

Closure of this area will be clearly marked with signs stating that the area is protected and that bouldering, rock climbing, rock scrambling or any similar activity is prohibited. Park staff will be monitoring the area to ensure effectiveness of the closure and protection of park resources.

View map of affected area [530k PDF file]