Pair of Climbers repelling down rock face while one partner belays

Climbing on Public Lands

BLM-managed lands offer numerous opportunities for climbing with many nearby camp sites available. No matter what type of experience you are looking for, you can find it on BLM-managed public lands.

rock climber clings to side of mountain. click for interactive map

Climbing by nature focuses heavy use on a small area.  Protect your privilege to climb on BLM-managed lands by protecting natural resources during your climbing and associated recreational activities. Camp in previously impacted areas and properly dispose of your trash and human/dog waste. Visit the AccessFund to learn good stewardship practices and read more about camping on BLM-managed lands!

Many climbing locations are adjacent to areas of outstanding cultural heritage. If you encounter rock art, pueblo homes, or other cultural artifacts, please help us Respect and Protect this amazing heritage.

Safety Tips

  • Respect and be cautious of local wildlife. Bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes and bees are common in many area.
  • When encountering wildlife, maintain your distance and remain quiet. Teach children not to pick up, chase, or approach animals. Keep pets under control.
  • Bring plenty of water. Extreme heat conditions are typical during summer months.
  • Severe storms with lightning and flash-flooding may occur. Always stay out of washes and seek shelter if lightning occurs.
  • Please use existing trails and respect private land signs and fences.
  • Please do not climb when the rock is wet. Wet sandstone will erode much faster, widening cracks and leaving rope grooves. More importantly, climbing on wet sandstone weakens anchors and has been linked to cams failing.

Where to climb

85 Results
Leslie Gulch ACEC
Leslie Gulch ACEC

Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern

With towering cliffs painted in desert hues, the striking geology and unique opportunity to spot plant and wildlife make Leslie Gulch the perfect area to set up camp and get away from it all.
Evening view of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River
Evening view of the Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

Lower Deschutes Wild and Scenic River

The Deschutes River was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970 and a Federal Wild and Scenic River in 1988. The river runs through a deep rimrock-lined canyon that ranges from 900 feet to 2,600 feet in depth. The elevation...
Lake Creek
Lake Creek

Lower Lake Creek Falls

The natural bedrock slide at the falls is ideal for a hot summer day! A series of low cascades carved in the bedrock within a narrow gorge create this geological wonder that spills into Triangle Lake.
Afton Canyon within the Mojave Trails Naitonal Monument
Afton Canyon within the Mojave Trails Naitonal Monument

Mojave Trails National Monument

The Mojave Trails National Monument spans 1.6 million acres of federal lands, including more than 350,000 acres of already Congressionally-designated wilderness, managed by the Bureau of Land Management between Barstow and Needles, California. It is a stunning mosaic of rugged...

Report Crimes

Please help preserve our heritage. Treat cultural sites with respect. Do not touch petroglyphs or remove artifacts. Report crimes to resources including vandalism, dumping and suspicious activity at 1-800-637-9152.