General Information
Sturdy rock lending itself to safe rock climbing is very limited in Big Bend National Park. The great majority of the park's exposed vertical rock is composed of unstable igneous rock and sharp fluted limestone. Rock climbing and bouldering are permitted, but minimum impacts to park resources shall be practiced at all times, including:
Rules
- Chipping and drilling holds destroys the rock face. Avoid changing the rock to make the route easier. Accept nature on its own terms.
- Removable anchors, natural protection and removable climbing protection are allowable wherever practical. Bolts and pitons permanently change the rock and are not allowable in the park.
- The use of portable electric drills is prohibited.
- The use of hand operated drills is allowed only with the written approval of the Superintendent.
- Climbing, ascending, descending, or traversing an archeological or cultural resource is prohibited.
- Technical rock climbing on rock faces within 0.25 mile of known peregrine eyries, as posted, will not be allowed between February 1–May 31.
- The rock faces of Casa Grande peak are closed to climbing.
- All trash, including toilet paper, must be packed out.
- Because colored chalk can permanently stain rock, only white chalk without oil-based additives may be used.
- All webbing must be removed upon conclusion of climbing activities.
- Consider other users when rock climbing, be courteous to others and help educate non-climbers about your activity to reduce impacts. Inform other climbers about a Leave No Trace ethic and techniques.
