Climbing

Rock climbing, rappelling, ice climbing, and mountaineering are technical and unique ways to experience America’s public land. Our parks, forests, and wilderness areas offer experiences that cater to every ability level from beginner to expert.

Take a guided climb or simply hone your skills and have fun at a climbing wall. Climbing fees and seasonal restrictions may vary from site to site. For information about a particular site, please call that site directly.

What do we mean by Climbing?

RecML, the recreation standard that is being developed, describes climbing as:

climbing, mountaineering, rock climbing

Practice Good Stewardship of our Public Lands:

You can help to take good care of our public lands so that others may enjoy these areas for years to come by practicing some of the following actions:

Don't Litter... take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.

Make sure that you are using the correct type of climbing equipment permitted in that area. Check with your destination ahead of time to check for seasonal restrictions that may be in place.

Don't climb or rappel in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to climbers to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.

Safety While Climbing:

Wear the proper safety equipment, such as: helmets, harnesses, gloves, and other climbing safety gear

If you are new to climbing, find a buddy to climb with

Do not climb in unauthorized areas

Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio