Rock Climbing Arches National Park

Most climbing routes within the park require advanced technical skills. All climbers are encouraged to obtain a free permit. You can obtain a permit online here.

ELEPHANT BUTTE

Standard (West Fins) 5.3, Trad, 1 Pitch, 1100 feet

TOWER OF BABEL

Zenyatta Entrada 5.4 C2+, Aid, 6 Pitches, 450 feet

OFF BALANCED ROCK

Northeast Chimney, 5.7 R, Trad, 2 Pitches, 120 feet

SUNSHINE WALL

Learning Curve 5.7, Trad, Sport, 1 Pitch, 120 feet

Tezcatlipoca 5.7, Trad, Sport, 1 Pitch, 40 feet

Melanoma Shuffle 5.8, Sport, 1 Pitch, 140 feet

Love Hurts 5.9, Trad, Sport, 1 Pitch, 120 feet

Science Friction 5.9+, Sport, 1 Pitch, 160 feet

OWL ROCK

West Crack 5.8, Trad

THE 100-YARD WALL

The Doil 5.8, Trad, 1 Pitch, 120 feet

DEVIL’S GOLF BALL

Regular Route 5.9 C1, Trad, Aid, 5 Pitches, 400 feet

THE GREAT WALL

Chinese Eyes 5.9+, Trad, 1 Pitch, 70 feet

SHEEP ROCK

Virgin Wool 5.10- C2+, Trad, Aid, 5 Pitches, 400 feet

PARK AVENUE

Heart of the Desert 5.10c, Trad, 1 Pitch, 80 feet

THE THREE PENGUINS

Right Chimney 5.10+, Trad, 2 Pitches, 150 feet

DARK ANGEL

West Face 5.11, Trad, 2 Pitches, 150 feet

THE THREE GOSSIPS

West Face 5.11, Trad, Grade III

Be There or Be Talked About 5.11 C1, Trad, Aid, 3 Pitches

ARGON TOWER

West Face 5.11, Trad, 3 Pitches, 250 feet

If you want to be the most environmentally-friendly climber in the whole-wide universe (which would be awesome), then consult the park’s Climbing & Canyoneering Management Plan. In the meantime, here’s the regulations you should know about immediately:

• Rock climbing groups cannot exceed 5 people per group.

• You can only free climb or use clean aid techniques. DO NOT install pitons.

• The physical altering of rock from its natural position such as chiseling, breaking rocks to reinforce crevices and pockets as anchors, glue reinforcement of existing holds, and gluing new holds is prohibited. The intentional removal or "gardening" of lichen or plants from rock is prohibited.

• DO NOT USE WHITE CHALK. Chalk or chalk substitutes used in the park are required to be similar in color to the rock that you’re climbing.

• DO NOT USE motorized drills within any wilderness boundaries. Use of a motorized drill outside wilderness areas requires a special use permit.

• Leaving fixed ropes in place for more than 24 hours is prohibited, unless the park has been notified.

• DO NOT SLACKLINE OR BASE JUMP anywhere within the park boundaries.

• Bivvying overnight requires a backcountry permit. Camp at least one mile away from designated roads and 0.5 mile from trails.

• Guided rock climbing services are not allowed.

• Check the weather first

• Do your homework and know your route

• Inspect all fixed gear

• Be prepared to self-rescue

• Tread lightly. Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in. Don’t mark rocks.

• Don’t step on biological soil crust. Walk in sandy washes, on rock or on designated trails.