Climbers Rejoice as National Park Service Nixes Plan to Ban Fixed Anchors

December 19, 2024

Climbers worried about the future of their sport in wilderness areas can take a big sigh of relief. On Wednesday, the National Park Service (NPS) decided against a plan to prohibit fixed anchors — the gear that climbers use to protect themselves from falls. Climbing advocates had fought against the proposal since November 2023, when the NPS first announced the proposal.

If implemented, the ban would have made it illegal for climbers to use slings, pins, and bolts in all federally designated wilderness areas. That includes much of American climbing, from iconic big-wall climbs in Yosemite and Zion national parks to remote backcountry adventures in Wyoming and Washington.

However, the NPS said it would not pursue the ban. Climbers responded quickly, galvanized by groups like Access Fund and the American Alpine Club. GearJunkie