Climbers know Bears Ears National Monument (BENM) for the world-class cracks of Indian Creek and more remote climbing adventures in areas like Valley of the Gods, but it is also the sacred, ancestral homeland to the Diné, Hopi, Zuni, Ute, and Ute Mountain Ute. In order to protect the objects and values of this 1.3+ million-acre landscape, the BLM and Forest Service jointly manage the Monument in collaboration with the Bears Ears Commission, which comprises Tribal leaders from the five Tribal Nations that founded the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition (BEITC) in 2015.
Knowing that the BLM was initiating a management planning process for Bears Ears, Access Fund and Friends of Indian Creek (FOIC) engaged with them early to ensure that climbers’ perspectives and concerns were incorporated into the plan while respecting the deep history and meaning of the land to the Tribes. Our Climber Stewards provided on the ground information directly to climbers throughout the planning process, including instructions on how to submit public comments and highlighting pertinent considerations that could impact climbing access throughout the Monument. As a result of our extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, meetings with the BLM, and providing formal comments, the final plan—while not incorporating every single one of our requests—is far better for climbers than the initial draft plan. Key things to know are that the plan allows for:
Continued use and maintenance of existing climbing routes in the monument (the addition of climbing bolts, anchors, or fixed gear on new routes now requires approval from the BLM; see details below)
Continued backcountry camping in designated areas
Continued cross-country hiking and potential designation of new trails as long as they are consistent with the protection of BENM objects; all Monument visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails
The final Bears Ears National Monument Management Plan went into effect in January, 2025. Running more than 1,000 pages, this plan directs future management of Bears Ears for decades to come. The U.S. Department of Interior states that the approved plan “incorporates Tribal input, feedback from cooperators, stakeholders, and the public, and is informed by the best available science, including Indigenous Knowledge, to ensure balanced use and protection of important resources.” However, many details of future management will be worked out in the coming years via implementation level plans including a Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for the Indian Creek area. Access Fund and Friends of Indian Creek are committed to ensuring that climbers will continue to have a seat at the table to advocate for sustainable climbing access and conserving this monumental landscape.
Some things you should know about the plan regarding climbing and camping in the Monument:
The plan allows for continued use and maintenance of existing climbing routes. All bolts, anchors, and fixed gear must limit visual contrast (e.g., matte stainless steel).
The addition of climbing bolts, anchors, or fixed gear on new routes now requires approval from the BLM (which will also be vetted by the Bears Ears Commission). Climbers interested in authorization can email Jeremy Martin, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Bears Ears National Monument/Monticello Field Office: j4martin@blm.gov. Include the following information:
GPS coordinates
Why you want to develop a route at that location
Access to the location and whether crossing private lands would be necessary
The BLM may issue closures, in accordance with applicable law, when necessary to protect BENM objects and resources. This could include, but is not limited to, protecting special status species, habitat, and/or cultural resources.
If site-specific impacts to BENM objects exist, the BLM may close climbing routes and reroute access trails and staging areas. The BLM will identify climbing closures via physical infrastructure and/or kiosks/signs.
The BLM will continue to administer raptor avoidance areas to prevent disturbances during the nesting season from March through late summer. The areas included in these zones will be periodically updated during the season by the BLM, and will be contingent on the results of standard wildlife surveys conducted throughout the nesting season.
The Plan will use management zones (see map below) and area plans to manage visitation in a manner that protects BENM objects and values, which could include increased permitting, restrictions on group sizes, and limitations on dispersed camping.
Camping is restricted to designated areas/sites or developed campgrounds in the Front Country Zone. Designated dispersed camping will be delineated in the Outback Zone through an upcoming Indian Creek RAMP. Until then, the BLM will limit camping to existing dispersed campsites.
Campfires are restricted to metal fire rings in Front County Zones and fire pans in Outback Zones. Gathering of wood is prohibited in the Indian Creek area.
Pets must be leashed at all times.
The BLM will not require permits for private day and overnight use at Indian Creek.
Visitors are required to use existing toilet facilities or pack out solid human waste and dispose of it at appropriate facilities. All trash, including toilet paper, must be carried out. Dishwater must be strained and discarded 200 feet from any camps, trails, and water sources.
Climbers are encouraged to stay on designated or existing trails when hiking in BENM. The development of new hiking trails may be designated through a future plan if consistent with the protection of BENM objects.
Recreational facility development may be allowed in Front Country and Passage Zones.
Paragliders, hang gliders, base jumpers, and wing-suit flyers, highlining, geocaching, and rock stacking are prohibited.
Access Fund and FOIC welcome the extensive Indigenous Traditional Knowledge that was built into the planning process and hope climbers will support preservation of this sacred cultural landscape through responsible climbing, camping, and hiking following Leave No Trace principles. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership with the BLM, the Bears Ears Commission, and other stakeholders in stewarding this incredible landscape.