Leave No Trace
Being in a high-desert environment makes many aspects of our climbing areas more delicate and vulnerable; plants don’t grow back easily, water is scarce, and traces are hard to erase. With this in mind, it’s vital that we treat our crags and other visitors with respect by following the 7 Leave No Trace (LNT) principles:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the regulations and etiquette unique to each crag. Be aware of recent weather conditions - if it has rained in the past 24 hours, sandstone in not suitable to climb on. Respect all seasonal or permanent closures. You can find information on each crag on Mountain Project.
Walk and Camp (and climb!) on Durable Surfaces
Stay on the climbers’ trail and camp in designated campsites. If you have to go off the trail, pick the most durable, least vegetated surface as your path (i.e. walk on slick-rock, not the cryptobiotic soil). With crags becoming crowded, many people are parking in undesignated spots, running over fragile soil and plants. If you can’t find a parking space, please go to another crag in the area or come back at a later time. Do not climb on sandstone after it has recently rained.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all the trash you bring in (including any food scraps)! While on the trail, please dig cat-holes. Some areas may require you to pack out all solid human waste and toilet paper. And yes, this includes your dog’s poop, too!
Leave What you Find
Leave all natural, cultural, and historical artifacts on the landscape; it is illeagal to remove any of these artifacts from the land. However, if you see recent trash and would like to pick it up safely, please do.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Please familiarize yourself with each area’s specific rules and regulations if you plan on building a campfire. During many times of the year, campfires may be illegal to build.
Respect Wildlife
Leave wildlife alone and keep a safe distance. Please keep your dog on a leash for the sake of wildlife and other visitors.
Be Kind and Considerate to Other Visitors
Be respectful to your fellow climbers and other recreationalists! We all share the land.
To learn more about the best practices at specific climbing areas, click here.