PASSED: Protect America’s Rock climbing Act

On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Senate passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, which includes the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC) Act. This monumental legislation comes at a critical time when the Department of the Interior (National Park Service) and Department of Agriculture (United States Forest Service) were in the process of drafting guidance on the installation, use, and maintenance of fixed anchors both inside and outside designated wilderness areas.

The PARC Act can be summarized into four key points:

  1. National Guidance: Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue national guidance on the management of climbing within wilderness areas.

  2. Clarification: Confirms that climbing and the placement, use, and maintenance of fixed anchors (including bolts, pins, and slings) are appropriate and not prohibited within wilderness areas.

  3. Agency Oversight: Preserves the existing authority of land management agencies to regulate climbing to ensure it aligns with wilderness character, natural resources, and cultural values.

  4. Public Participation: Ensures opportunities for public involvement in decisions affecting climbing in wilderness areas.

Here along the Wasatch Front, designated wilderness areas lie in close proximity to roads and urban infrastructure within major canyons such as Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood, and American Fork. Popular climbing areas like Reservoir Ridge and Challenge Buttress in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Hard Rock in American Fork Canyon, and Dragon Arch in Little Cottonwood Canyon all fall within wilderness boundaries.

From the beginning, the SLCA commented that such proposed regulation would increase red tape and decrease climbers safety. We commented that:

  1. Opposition to Fixed Anchor Prohibition: SLCA strongly opposes the classification of fixed anchors as prohibited installations under the Wilderness Act, advocating for their recognition as necessary for climbing safety.

  2. SLCA Expertise and Stewardship: The SLCA has extensive experience maintaining fixed anchors, employs professional technicians adhering to safety and quality standards. A modle that can be used for other regions of the country.

  3. Recreational and Historical Importance: Climbing has been a celebrated activity for over 125 years, with established routes often located within wilderness boundaries. Proper maintenance ensures safety and preserves recreation opportunities.

  4. Critique of MRA Requirement: The SLCA argues that requiring a Minimum Requirements Analysis (MRA) for each anchor is impractical and unsafe, creating unnecessary risks for climbers and overburdening agencies with limited resources.

  5. Impact of Proposed Guidance: The draft policies would hinder timely maintenance and jeopardize climbing areas with aging anchors, particularly in popular areas like Little Cottonwood Canyon and American Fork Canyon.

  6. Alternative Approach: SLCA recommends location-specific Climbing Management Plans and continued collaboration between agencies and climbing organizations to manage climbing sustainably.

[Read the SLCA’s full comments here.]


Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) climbing in American Fork Canyon, UT

The passing of the EXPLORE Act and inclusion of the PARC Act is a significant victory for the climbing community and outdoor recreation advocates nationwide. It solidifies the legality of fixed anchors in wilderness areas and ensures climbers will have a voice in future decisions impacting access and management.

The SLCA would like the thank Utahs very own Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) for his involvement as one of the bills original sponsor along with introducing the bill to the House. The SLCA has worked alongside with Rep. Curtis with a Hill to Crag event in 2020. [Recap here].

The full language of the PARC Act can be found below:

Julia Geisler