Outdoor Ethics for Climbing
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reprinted with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit www.LNT.org.
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Plan Ahead And Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area where you plan to climb.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.
- Schedule your climbing to avoid times of high use.
- If you are climbing with a group, communicate your expectations.
- Bring the appropriate equipment for the route(s) you intend to climb.
- Acquire the necessary technical skills including first aid knowledge.
- Check local regulations and ethics regarding the installations and use of fixed protection.
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Travel and Camp on Safe, Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Always use durable roads and trails to access climbing routes.
- When unpacking gear at crags, choose a durable location for your staging and belay areas.
- Use existing anchors when available.
- Protect water sources by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good camp sites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
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Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your camping and climbing areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, tape and litter.
- Carry out abandoned or forgotten gear and webbing.
- Minimize the use of chalk when possible. Keep chalk bags closed when not in use to minimize spills.
- Consider packing out solid human waste using an approved method.
- If allowed, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
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Leave What You Find
- Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid developing new routes near archaeological or historical sites, or critical wildlife habitat.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture or dig trenches.
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Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Consider using a lightweight stove for cooking and bring a headlamp for light.
- Where fire are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Don’t bring firewood with you. It may be contaminated with tree killing insects or diseases. Instead, buy local wood near your destination or gather it upon your arrival.
- Burn all wood to coals and ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
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Respect Wildlife
- Learn about seasonal route closures and be prepared to back off a route if you disturb wildlife.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach wildlife.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- If bringing dogs to crags, ensure they’re under control or consider leaving them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times. Mating, nesting, raising young or winter.
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Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Larger groups should try not to monopolize popular climbing routes, especially during times of high use.
- Maintain a cooperative spirit by being courteous to other users on the trails and at crags.
- Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises unless necessary for communicating with your climbing partner(s).
Gear & Services
- Climbing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing
- Biking, Camping, Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX
- Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Street Cycling, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
- Climbing, Climbing Gyms
Sierra Trading Post
- Biking, Camping, Climbing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Stillwater Canoeing, Stillwater Kayaking, Stillwater SUPing, Street Cycling
- Climbing, Climbing Gyms
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Adventuring, Biking, Climbing, Falconry, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Paintball, Rock Climbing, Ziplining
- Climbing, Rock Climbing
Rentals
- Climbing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
Classes
- Climbing, Climbing Gyms
- Climbing, Rock Climbing
Phoenix Multisport
- Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Street Cycling
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow
- Climbing, Climbing Gyms
Guided Adventures
- Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing
- Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing
Colorado Xplorer
- Adventuring, ATV/UTV, Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Off-roading, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Water, Whitewater Rafting
Rock N Row
- Adventuring, Climbing, Horseback Riding, Water, Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Rafting
- Adventuring, Biking, Climbing, Falconry, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Geocaching, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Paintball, Rock Climbing, Ziplining
- Biking, Climbing, Conventional/Spin Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Pikes Peak APEX, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow, Snowshoeing, Water, Whitewater Kayaking
- Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Snow
