Colorado Springs Rule Change For Climbers In Garden Of The Gods Park

Press release from the City of Colorado Springs:

March 15, 2021

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Effective March 15, climbing chalk or a chalk substitute of any kind or color cannot be used when climbing in Garden of the Gods Park. Climbing chalk was previously banned, however, this rule change now includes the restriction of all chalk substitutes in order to help preserve the natural beauty of the rock formations. The change has become necessary due to an increase in climbing activity and chalk use in the park.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department worked closely with local climbers and the Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance to reach this decision.

Importance of conservation

Taking into account the number of rock climbers that scale Garden of the Gods each year, even the smallest of traces left behind from individual climbers, such as chalk marks or dust, can create monumental impacts. By eliminating the use of chalk and chalk substitutes, rock climbers at the park will play a role in keeping the Garden’s extraordinary rock structures sustainable and stunning for years to come.

This decision puts Leave No Trace outdoor ethics into play by enhancing the practice of responsible recreation. The City of Colorado Springs is striving to pursue Gold Standard Site designation from Leave No Trace in 2021.

Other regular conservation efforts in Garden of the Gods include regular park maintenance, like removing trash and litter; trail maintenance efforts that help ensure existing trails are safer and more sustainable; reclamation using native seed and mulch to restore disturbed land; trail corridor cleaning; and noxious weed inventory and removal. These efforts often take place in partnership with groups like the Rocky Mountain Field Institute and Mile High Youth Corps.

Working with recreation groups creates the best outcomes

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The City is grateful for groups like the Pikes Peak Climbers Alliance for working with us to make changes that benefit and balance both recreation and the environment.

Statement of support from the Pikes Peak Climber’s Alliance

“The Pikes Peak Climber’s Alliance has been happy to work with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department to help preserve and protect our beloved cliffs and natural resources in Garden of the Gods Park. We support a ban on chalk use on climbing routes to make sure that its iconic cliffs are used by climbers with a sustainable Leave No Trace ethic. As local climbers, most of us learned how to climb on the Garden’s red rock formations and we love the place. A no-chalk ethic goes a long way to preserving the Garden of the Gods and our climbing freedoms.”

This press release was produced by the City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.