The sandstone cliffs and spires of Colorado National Monument attract hundreds of climbers a year. Most routes in the park require traditional "trad" climbing techniques. Help protect this beautiful landscape by adhering to the park's climbing regulations (110KB PDF).
Peregrine Falcons and Golden Eagles seasonally nest and raise their young in Colorado National Monument. Nesting seasons typically last from mid-March to early July. Disturbing wildlife, including feeding, mating, and nesting sites is prohibited. Before you climb, check with monument staff (970-858-2800) to learn if any seasonal advisories are in place.
Climbing any areas on or adjacent to archeological sites, historic structures, or paleontological resources is prohibited.
Recreational Climbing Regulations
Climbing is allowed in Colorado National Monument; however, the following areas and exposures are closed to recreational rock climbing:
Any exposure above any tunnel portal, or prehistoric rock-art site.
The Balanced Rock formation in Fruita Canyon.
The Mushroom Rock formation below the northwestern rim of Monument Mesa.
Any area above exposed surfaces to Rim Rock Drive or overlooks.
Any area which has the potential to disturb wildlife activity, such as, but not limited to, feeding, mating or nesting sites.
Any areas on or adjacent to archeological sites, historic structures, or paleontological resources.
Determination: These closures will protect visitors, wildlife, and vehicles from falling objects; protect sensitive and irreplaceable archeological resources and prevent surface scarring or other disturbances of delicate or highly visible features. They will protect the nesting behavior and reproductive success of Peregrine Falcons, other raptors, and bats.
The following restrictions also apply to all recreational climbing activities within Colorado National Monument:
No new permanent climbing hardware may be installed in any location. If an existing bolt or other hardware item is unsafe, it may be replaced with brown or black hardware following consultation with park management. This limits climbing to existing routes or new routes not requiring placement of fixed anchors.
Power drills, defined as all rotary drills, hammer drills, fastener-guns, and related devices that rely upon batteries, explosive charges or chemical propellants for power, are prohibited unless approved by a permit.
Hammers may not be used except to replace belay and rappel anchors and bolts on existing routes or for emergency self-rescue.
Software (webbing, accessory cord, etc.) that is left in place shall match the rock surface in color.
Fixed ropes may not be left in place for more than 24 hours unless approved by the Superintendent. Fixed ropes left more than 24 hours shall be considered “abandoned property” and removed.
Physical alteration of rock faces, i.e. chiseling new holds, is prohibited.
The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
Camping on the summit of Independence Monument is prohibited.
Climbing chalk must be of a color that blends in with the native rock.
Adhesives are prohibited on all rock surfaces.
Determination: These restrictions, provide for quiet and tranquil visits and protect the aesthetic appearance and ecological integrity of mineral and plant resources.
Climbing Guide Services
The following guide services are approved to operate within Colorado National Monument. Contact these businesses directly to make trip arrangements.
Complete a Special Use Permit Application. For fixed anchor requests, the application fee is waived, and the permit is free.
Email the application to COLM_Permits@nps.gov.
Staff will review the request. If the application is incomplete, staff may require the applicant to resubmit the permit application with more information. If no other information is needed, the permit will be drafted and sent to the Superintendent for review. This process may take several months because park staff will need an opportunity to evaluate the site-specific impacts of fixed anchor replacement on natural and cultural resources. Federal law also requires compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.
Staff will communicate the progress of the application to the applicant and follow up as questions arise. If approved, staff will send the signed permit to the applicant and coordinate fixed anchor replacement work.
A peregrine falcon walks to the edge of its nesting area.
NPS Photo
Raptor Advisories
Raptor breeding season typically lasts from March 1 - July 31 in Colorado National Monument. Currently, breeding raptors have reoccupied their traditional territories. If you are considering climbing or hiking off-trail at Colorado National Monument, check below before you plan your trip.
2025 Advisories
Please refrain from any rock climbing or off-trail activity within the boundaries of the following routes:
Otto's Route
This historic climb scales Independence Monument and is accessed from the Lower Monument Canyon Trail. Due to confirmed May 2025 nesting activity on Independence Monument, the NPS has issued an advisory for this route through July 31.
Climbing routes listed on this page are not all-inclusive, and nests may be located near other routes. Use caution while climbing anywhere in the monument to help protect sensitive species.
