From Climbing · Maya Silver · · 1m 20s
Chiricahua National Park Climbing Ban
New Chiricahua National Park bans climbing spires despite volcanic rock potential.
In brief
New Chiricahua National Park bans climbing spires despite volcanic rock potential. Climbers cannot scale Chiricahua National Park's spires due to rock instability and resource protection rules. Originally reported by Climbing.
New Chiricahua National Park
New Chiricahua National Park opened October 20, 2026, as the 64th national park in the U.S.
Rock Formations
Hundreds of volcanic spires and rhyolite rock formations exist at 6,000 feet above sea level.
Climbing Ban
Climbing spires is prohibited under the Superintendent’s Compendium per 36 CFR § 2.1.
Reasons for Ban
Rock instability and damage to wildlife habitat are cited as reasons for the climbing prohibition.
Historic Climbing
Climbers previously ascended volcanic towers in the Chiricahua Mountains during the 1960s and 1970s.
Nearby Climbing
Climbers can access volcanic rock formations 20 miles southeast of the park in the Portal Area.
Local Climber
Christian Lopez develops routes in the Chiricahua Mountains outside park boundaries for adventure climbers.
Climbing Potential
The Portal Area has significant climbing potential with few developed routes and limited resources.
Climbing Restrictions
Climbing requires permits and bolted anchors in wilderness areas, but Chiricahua prohibits new bolt placements.
Future Plans
Climbers await final wilderness climbing management plans for potential rule changes.
The bottom line
Climbers cannot scale Chiricahua National Park's spires due to rock instability and resource protection rules.
