Climbers have an important opportunity right now to help shape the future of climbing access in one of Wyoming’s most iconic limestone canyons.

The Bighorn National Forest is seeking public input on the Tensleep Canyon Climbing Management Plan (CMP) Draft Environmental Assessment (EA). As climbing use has increased in the canyon, the Forest Service has been working—since 2021—to develop a comprehensive plan that balances sustainable recreation with the protection of natural, cultural, and wildlife resources.

This draft plan will guide how climbing is managed in Tensleep for years to come, making climber engagement critical at this stage.

What’s in the Draft Climbing Management Plan?

The draft CMP outlines a framework intended to support climbing while addressing growing impacts. Key goals of the plan include:

  • Providing a diverse user experience for climbers of all skill levels

  • Implementing a route development permitting system

  • Improving parking and access to cliff habitat where climbing occurs

  • Reducing erosion and sedimentation from social trails, staging areas, and dispersed camping

  • Protecting cultural and tribal resources

  • Conserving sensitive natural resources and wildlife habitat

You can review the full draft CMP and accompanying story map to explore the proposed management approach in detail.

Key Issues Climbers Should Comment On

While the draft plan includes many positive steps, there are several important components where climber input can help improve outcomes for both access and conservation:

  • Bat closures: Revise the proposed bat closure radius from 250 meters to 45 meters, based on current scientific research

  • Wildlife management: Implement modern, adaptive management practices for seasonal raptor and migratory bird closures

  • Route development: Include a clear and predictable timeframe for permit turnaround on proposed new routes

  • Appeals process: Establish a formal appeal process for route development permits that are denied

  • Infrastructure improvements: Provide input on proposed trail work and access improvements 

Thoughtful, constructive comments from climbers can make a real difference in the final outcome of this plan..

Take Action: Submit a Comment

Public comments are a required part of the Forest Service decision-making process—and they matter.

Take Action

When commenting, focus on how sustainable climbing access, science-based wildlife management, and smart infrastructure improvements can work together to protect Tensleep Canyon for future generations.

Access Fund will continue to engage with land managers and advocate for climber-informed solutions. Thank you for adding your voice to help protect climbing access in Tensleep.