# Chiricahua National Park Climbing Ban

> New Chiricahua National Park bans climbing spires despite volcanic rock potential.
- Title: Chiricahua National Park Climbing Ban · Climbing | Shortify
- Summary: New Chiricahua National Park bans climbing spires despite volcanic rock potential. Climbers cannot scale Chiricahua National Park's spires due to rock…
- Keywords: chiricahua national park, rhyolite, climbing ban, volcanic rock, park spires, wilderness area, access fund, nps, Climbing
- Source: Climbing — https://climbing.com/news/are-climbers-allowed-to-scale-the-spires-in-the-new-chiricahua-national-park
- Author: Maya Silver
- Published: 2026-10-22T20:14:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chiricahua national park, rhyolite, climbing ban, volcanic rock, park spires, wilderness area, access fund, nps, sports, travel
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Climbers cannot scale Chiricahua National Park's spires due to rock instability and resource protection rules.