Superintendent's Compendium

Natural Bridges National Monument

November 2024

The Superintendent's Compendium of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Natural Bridges National Monument. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

approved by Lena Pace, Superintendent, 14 November 2024

 

 

I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES

AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:

Visiting Hours:

• The visitor center is open daily during the core hours of 9am – 4pm from mid-April to mid-October. The visitor center will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from mid-October through mid-April. These hours may be extended or reduced depending on staffing levels. The visitor center is closed on the federal holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days.
• Overnight camping/parking is only allowed in the campground which is open year-round.

This restriction has been implemented in order to protect park resources from unregulated overnight camping.

Closures:

• All bridges are closed to walking on their surface and all types of climbing.

This restriction serves to protect hikers whose risk of injury is greater due to the narrow width of the bridges. This restriction also serves to preserve the aesthetic enjoyment of the bridges for all while respecting Native Americans’ perspectives of the bridges’ significance.

Hang Gliders, Unmanned Aircraft, All Terrain Vehicles, and Off-Road Vehicles:

• All motor vehicles operated within the boundaries of Natural Bridges National Monument must have a valid state registration, display a valid state license plate(s), and meet any other requirements for motor vehicles operated on highways within the State of Utah.
• Any off highway vehicle (OHV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV), or other motorized conveyance manufactured for recreational non-highway, off road, or all terrain travel (all-terrain type I or type II vehicles, as defined by Utah State Code Annotated 41-22-2) is prohibited.
• Launching or landing an unmanned aircraft (drone) is prohibited within the boundaries of Natural Bridges National Monument except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

These restrictions are intended to protect fragile soil crusts, native vegetation, and sensitive wildlife from disturbance; to preserve the natural soundscape from human-caused sounds; to allow visitors opportunities to experience quiet and solitude amid a natural setting; to preserve natural viewsheds and expansive vistas without human intrusion; and to maintain visitor safety.

• Natural Bridges National Monument is closed to the launching or landing of all forms of non-powered flight including hang gliders, paragliders, and parachutes.

These restrictions are intended to protect visitors and natural/cultural resources from injury or damage due to the use of various forms of powerless flight.

Technical Rock Climbing:

Climbing and canyoneering within Natural Bridges National Monument shall be either free climbing or clean aid climbing, except as described below.

• Rock climbing groups are limited to five (5) persons per group.
• No new permanent fixed anchors may be installed in any location, except by permit (Special Use Permit). If an existing bolt or other hardware item is unsafe, it may be replaced without a permit. Anchor hardware must be painted the color of the rock surface before installation. The installation and use of pitons are prohibited. Homemade hardware is prohibited.
• If an existing software item (sling, runner, etc.) is unsafe, it may be replaced. Software (webbing, accessory cords, etc.) that is left in place shall match the rock surface in color.
• The intentional removal of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.
• The physical altering of rock faces including, but not limited to, chiseling, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing of new holds is prohibited.
• The use of motorized power drills is prohibited in areas managed as wilderness. Outside of wilderness, a motorized drill requires a permit (Special Use Permit).
• The use of white chalk (or chalk substitutes) for climbing is prohibited. Chalk or substitutes must be of a color that blends with the native rock.
• Fixed ropes may not be left in place for more than 24 hours. Fixed ropes left in place longer than 24 hours shall be considered "abandoned property" and removed.
• Slacklining or highlining is prohibited.

Definitions:
Technical Rock Climbing is defined as ascending or descending a rock formation utilizing rock climbing equipment.

Free Climbing and Clean Aid Climbing are minimum impact approaches that employ chocks, stoppers, nuts and camming devices, rather than pitons or bolts, for protection or direct support.These are climbing aids that are removable, do not damage or scar the rock, and do not become fixed after ascent.

Aid Climbing is the direct use of a fixed or placed protection (pitons, nuts, bolts rivets,spring-loaded cams, etc.) to support a climber’s weight and assist in the climber’s ascent. In general, aid techniques are reserved for pitches where free climbing is difficult to impossible,and extremely steep and long routes. Most difficult aid climbs still require pitons or other techniques using a hammer.

Canyoneering is defined as cross country travel involving descending into canyons or major rock formations using a variety of techniques that are associated with technical descents—those that require rappels and rope work, climbing or down-climbing, and/or swims.

Slacklining or Sling-lining is defined as walking on a rope or other line that is anchored between rock formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is immaterial.

These restrictions serve to protect the natural appearance of the rock which is compromised by the installation of permanent climbing hardware. They also serve to protect the aesthetic appearance of natural resources within the Monument.

Fixed Lines

• The use of fixed lines (any line made from any material which is stretched between two points) is prohibited except for tie downs used in conjunction with tarps or tents affixed to ground stakes. This includes but is not limited to clothes lines, dog runs, hammocks or slack lines, and prohibits attachment to vegetation, natural features, or government property. This regulation does not apply to recreational climbing.

Artificial Light Sources

• The use of artificial light sources for purposes other than personal route-finding or minimum impact camping—that is, to light up landscapes, rock formations, or other park features—is prohibited.

Passenger Carrying Buses:

• Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines, with the following exceptions:
  1) after long uphill grades, engines may be idled for up to 15 minutes to cool
  2) engines may be left running to provide cooling or heating for disabled passengers who have difficulty in disembarking;
  3) engines may be left running while the driver is actively completing a pre-trip vehicle inspection.

This restriction serves to protect visitors and park resources from unnecessary exhaust fumes in the air and to prevent the diminished enjoyment of the peace and tranquility of the monument.

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II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT

The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:

• §2.5(a) Specimen collection (the taking of plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)

This restriction is intended to protect natural resources that should be available for the enjoyment of future generations.

• §2.50(a) Conducting a special event, sports event, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
• §2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

NOTE: Gathering for the purpose of expressing views and making statements such as is protected under the First Amendment does not require a permit as long as the activity takes place in the designated “First Amendment” area indicated in this document and the involved group is less than 25 people. Groups larger than 25 people need a special use permit. Printed matter, used as part of a “First Amendment” activity may be allowed in the “First Amendment” area (See Appendix A) without a permit for groups less than 25 people.

• The designated area for first amendment activities is located in the oversized/overflow parking lot on the south side of the parking lot. See Appendix A.

• §2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printed material that is not solely commercial advertising

These restrictions serve to maintain a natural, peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors.

• §2.60(b) Livestock use.

This restriction is intended to protect fragile natural resources found within the boundaries of the monument.

• §5.1 Advertisements (display, posting or distribution.)
• §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).
• §5.5 Commercial Photography/Filming:

(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television

(b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising.

These restrictions are intended to ensure a natural, tranquil and uninhibited experience for visitors to the monument.

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III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(a)(4) It is unlawful to gather or cut firewood anywhere within the monument.

This restriction serves to protect the desert ecosystem within the monument. Dead and downed wood is part of the natural and scenic landscape and an essential survival component for many species.

(a)(5 & 6) No archeological sites in Natural Bridges National Monument may be entered, walked on or otherwise disturbed. Stepping over a chain, rope, or other barrier delineating a site is considered entering that site.

This restriction is intended to protect the irreplaceable cultural resources within the Monument that give valued insight into other past cultures.

(c)(1), (c)(2) Reasonable small quantities of fruits, berries, and nuts (up to one pound, per person, per day of any variety of fruit, berry, or nut) may be gathered for immediate personal consumption. The use of bush rakes or other harvesting devices is prohibited.

This provision serves to protect natural ecological processes within the monument as harvesting fruits, berries, and nuts depletes food supplies for wildlife habitat.

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36 CFR §2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(e) All lands within the boundary of the monument are closed to viewing wildlife with an artificial light.

This restriction serves to protect the natural and peaceful habitat of wildlife.

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36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING and FOOD STORAGE

(a) Camping in the monument has the following restrictions:

• Camping is only permitted in the designated campground.
• All campsites are fully reservable through Recreation.gov and open year-round.
• Occupancy of each campsite is limited to 8 persons, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles (a trailer counts as one vehicle).
• Campsites may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
• All motor vehicles must be parked on designated vehicle pads and must not extend into the roadway. Vehicle barriers may not be moved to enlarge the available parking space and natural resources must not sustain damage from a parked vehicle.
• Camping structures must be placed on the tent pad where a tent pad is provided. One additional camping structure may be placed off the tent pad on the hardened/impacted area around the pad or picnic table. All camping structures must be erected within the footprint of the campsite's impacted and hardened area.
• Campground "Generator Hours' are from 8am - 10am and from 4pm - 8pm.
• Campground ‘Quiet Hours’ are from 10 pm until 8 am. Noise levels are to remain at a low level. A camper’s voice should not be audible from a distance of 100 feet from the campsite.
• Visitors are prohibited from soliciting other campers to share their campsites.
• Checkout time is 10 am daily. Persons still occupying sites, including vehicles and/or equipment, after checkout time, will be required to pay the campground fee for an additional day.
• It is prohibited to dispose of grey water within the camp area.

(b)(9) The length of stay is limited to seven (7) consecutive days from March through October, and fourteen (14) consecutive days the remainder of the year.

(b)(10) All food must be kept out of the reach of wildlife at all times. Food and other camping supplies must be kept in a vehicle or otherwise contained when the campsite is not occupied.

These restrictions serve to protect natural resources in the monument by limiting group size and prescribing a camping location. The restrictions also protect the recreational experience of all visitors by limiting the time and manner of use by any one group occupying a site. They also serve to ensure the proper disposal of human waste to protect water quality, natural habitat and visitor safety.

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36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is permitted only under the following conditions:

• Fires are restricted to the campground in standing metal fire grills provided.
• Gathering wood and making ground fires are prohibited.
• Burning trash and other waste is prohibited.
• During periods of extreme fire danger, as established by fire weather data, all fires within the monument will be prohibited with the exception of gas burning stoves.

These requirements are intended to ensure that the visual and environmental impacts of campfires and cooking fires are limited in high use areas. Fire rings attract trash and food residue from campers attempting to burn trash before leaving an area. High temperatures from ground fires negatively impact soils and impair plant growth. These restrictions also serve to minimize the risks of forest fires during extreme weather conditions.

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36 CFR 2.14 – SANITATION AND REFUSE

(2.14) In non-developed areas, toilet paper must be carried out. Burning or burying toilet paper is prohibited.

This restriction serves to protect public health, natural resources and water quality.

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36 CFR §2.15 – PETS

(a)(1) Dogs (except service dogs), cats, and other pets must be on leash (max. 6 feet) at all times and are prohibited on any Monument land, trails or public buildings, except for those locations identified below:

FRONTCOUNTRY – Pets on a leash ( max. 6’) are allowed on all park roads open for public vehicular use, parking areas, established picnic areas, campground, paved trails to overlooks and the trail from the campground to the visitor center.

(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended if they are secured in a location where they will not interfere with wildlife or normal travel by visitors and they cannot cause resource damage. Pets may not be left unattended overnight, or when weather or other conditions could endanger the pet’s health.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be immediately collected by the pet handler and disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle. Bagged pet excrement may not be placed in the pit toilets. If there is not a trash receptacle in the area, the excrement shall be transported to the nearest receptacle or transported out of the park.

(e) Monument residents may keep pets in compliance with the pet policy in the current Natural Bridges Housing Management Plan.

These restrictions serve to protect park natural/cultural resources, wildlife, and visitors from the negative impacts of domestic animals.

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36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES and PACK ANIMALS

(a) Horses, burros, mules, lamas, and other animals used as pack animals are not permitted within the boundaries of Natural Bridges National Monument with the following exceptions and with the authorization of the superintendent:

• Removal of trespassing livestock
• Search and rescue
• Law enforcement
• Other emergency operations

These restrictions serve to protect soil crust and other natural resources. Hiking trails and routes are not compatible with stock.

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36 CFR §2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS and SIMILAR DEVICES

The use of roller skates, rollerblades, roller skis, skateboards, coasting vehicles, or similar devices is prohibited.

This restriction serves to provide for visitor safety and to protect biological soil crusts and other natural resources.

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36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING

Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes and other Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) are prohibited in all government buildings and around the fuel and flammable materials storage area.

During periods of extreme fire danger, as established by fire weather data, all smoking within the monument will be prohibited.

These restrictions are intended to protect public/employee health and government property from the effects of smoking and minimize the risk of fire/explosions in fuel storage areas. They also serve to minimize the risks of wildland fires during extreme weather conditions.

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36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY

(a)(2) Geocaching is prohibited. Geocaching is defined as placing a concealed cache within monument boundaries and then disseminating the coordinates/location, or clues to the coordinates/location, for the purpose of enticing third parties to search for the cache at a later date.

This restriction serves to protect cultural resources and soil crust and other natural resources in both front and backcountry areas within the monument.

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36 CFR §2.35 –ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a)(3)(i) The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all public use buildings when the building is open to the general public with the exception of officially sanctioned activities.

This restriction serves to protect visitors in public buildings from the effects of alcoholic beverage consumption.

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36 CFR §2.38 – FIREWORKS

(b) The possession or use of fireworks/explosives is not permitted in the monument.

This restriction serves to eliminate unnecessary fire danger and to ensure peaceful and safe enjoyment of the monument by visitors.

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36 CFR §2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(a) A Special Use Permit is required for the erection of monuments (requires approval from Regional Director).

(b) A Special Use Permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit.

These restrictions serve to protect natural resources as well as the visitor experience.

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36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING

(a)(1) All springs, seeps, and other natural water sources are closed to swimming, bathing, wading, or immersion of humans or domestic animals.

This restriction serves to protect water quality within the monument.

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36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES

(i)(1) Bicycles and electric bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are open to motor vehicle use by the public.

This restriction serves to protect fragile soil crusts as well as other natural resources within the monument.

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Appendix A: Designated Area for First Amendment Activities

Natural Bridges Visitor Center Parking Lot

 

NPS

 

2022 COMPENDIUM AMENDMENT: MASK-WEARING REQUIREMENTS

Authority

54 U.S.C. Section 10075 l(a) and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations§ 1.5(a)(2) gives authority to Park Superintendents to impose restrictions on activities within park areas for the maintenance of public health and safety.

Mask-Wearing Requirements

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county or all the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in one or more, but not all, of the counties where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, the superintendent will determine whether individuals are required to wear masks. The requirement, if any, will apply to all facilities within the park.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so. Where a state, local, tribal, or territorial government where the park is located imposes more protective mask-wearing requirements than those indicated by the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals must follow those more protective requirements within the park. More protective state, local, tribal, or territorial mask-wearing requirements are hereby adopted as federal requirements in all units of the National Park System located within that state, locality, area subject to a federally recognized Indian tribe’s regulatory jurisdiction, or territory, regardless of a particular park’s jurisdictional status.

Additionally, all individuals must wear masks in or on public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs/facilities, to the extent required by current orders or directives issued by the CDC, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), or other federal agencies with jurisdiction over those conveyances or areas. As of March 4, 2022, CDC and TSA orders or directives require all individuals regardless of vaccination status to wear masks in indoor areas of all forms of public transportation conveyances, including busses, trains, and boats/ferries, and in the indoor premises of transportation hubs/facilities. Individuals are not required to wear masks while outdoors on conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs/facilities.

Accordingly, the National Park Service determines publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted under 36 CFR § 1.5.

Public Notice Strategy

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 1.7 notice of this temporary and partial closure and public use limitation will be made through the following means:

• Signs posted at conspicuous locations along the affected trails.

• Electronic media.

This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until rescinded. The effectiveness of this order will be assessed on an ongoing basis and will be modified or rescinded when conditions warrant.

Approved: /s/ Patricia S. Trap, Superintendent
March 9, 2022

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