Climbing

Rock Climbing Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the areas where you plan to climb
• Schedule your climbing to avoid times of high use
• Bring the appropriate equipment for the routes(s) you intend to climb

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow
• Always use durable roads and trails to access climbing routes
• When unpacking gear at crags, choose a durable location for your staging and belay areas
• Use existing anchors when available
• Good camps and bivy sites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and climbing areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, tape, and litter
• Carry out abandoned or forgotten gear and webbing
• Minimize the use of chalk when possible. Keep chalk bags closed when not in use to minimize spills.
• Consider packing out solid human waste using an approved method
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet away from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished

Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural items as you found them
• Avoid developing new routes near archeological or historical sites, or critical wildlife habitats
• Do not build structure, furniture or dig trenches

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Consider using a lightweight stove for cooking and bring a headlamp for light
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires
• Keep fire small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes

Respect Wildlife

• Learn about seasonal route closures and be prepared to back off a route if you disturb wildlife
• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach wildlife
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely
• If bringing dogs to crags, ensure they are under control or consider leaving them at home
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young or winter

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Larger groups should try not to monopolize popular climbing routes, especially during times of high use
• Maintain a cooperative spirit by being courteous to other users on the trail and at crags
• Let nature’s sound prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises unless necessary for communicating with your climbing partner(s)

Rock climbing is a wonderful and fun activity. Use these simple tips the next time you are out to minimize your impact on the land to help preserve our great outdoors for future generations!