Leave no trace principles -
"Good for the boyscouts and good for climbers!"
Boy Scouts Leave No Trace Principles
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- For Climbers- Leave it Cleaner Than You Found It
Approach trails
Try to stick to established trails and durable surfaces. Always be maintaining a lookout on the approach to make sure you are not getting off trail and consult local maps and approach beta from guidebooks. You can also reduce erosion by not shortcutting any switchbacks. Try not to damage the sometimes fragile plant life and soil if you don't need to.
Land Managers
The climbing access we enjoy in many areas is the result of agreements with land managers. Be respectful of the rules they set for climbing on their land (such as bolting and camping limitations) and it's more likely you will continue to be able to enjoy the land! Other limitations that are common are time restrictions for climbing due to raptor nesting or other local protections.
Tourism and small towns
Many climbing areas are located in small towns. The people who live in those towns in some instances are seeing increased traffic and nomads visiting these areas to climb. Please be respectful of the area they call home by never littering, illegally parking, or otherwise disrupting the area. There is a privilege in being a "modern dirtbag" and it's important to maintain a positive public image of climbers to ensure climbing areas remain open and free to enjoy!
Other recreationists
When hiking to the crags or throughout your climbing you will encounter other people who are hiking, biking, climbing, or otherwise enjoying the outdoors. Be polite if asking to pass someone on a trail, and be gracious to any curious questions they might have about climbing! Try not to bivy or camp in visible areas to hiking trails where you might be an eyesore, and try to stick to established approach trails.