Leave no trace Principle
7. be considerate of other visitors
Climbing is a shared experience. How we show up affects everyone else around us — today and tomorrow.
This principle is about respect, not just for nature, but for the people enjoying it alongside you. Whether you're at a busy frontcountry crag or a remote alpine wall, the way you conduct yourself impacts others' experiences. That includes your presence, your volume, your time on routes, and even how you leave the base of a climb.
Climbers often spend hours in close quarters with strangers — so this principle is where community ethics and Leave No Trace intersect.
Common Ways to Be Considerate in Climbing Areas
Share the Wall
Don’t “camp out” on a route or monopolize a boulder.
Example: Running back-to-back burns on a sport route while others are waiting is inconsiderate, especially at popular walls.
If someone is waiting, offer to share ropes or alternate burns. It’s a great way to build community and reduce crowding.
Don’t leave ropes on a route as a way of “claiming” it unless you're actively climbing.
Keep Noise Levels Down
Avoid shouting unnecessarily. Belay commands are essential — loud group banter, not so much.
Don’t play music on speakers unless you’re certain no one else is around and would enjoy it too.
Nuance: What feels like a fun vibe to you might be a distraction or buzzkill for someone else’s day out.
Respect early mornings and evenings — quiet hours are good practice in any natural setting.
Use Space Thoughtfully
Keep packs, shoes, and gear consolidated in one low-impact area — especially at crowded crags or staging zones.
Avoid sprawling gear across trails, flat belay areas, or directly under classic lines.
In bouldering areas, only set up pads where you're actively climbing, not everywhere “just in case.”
Yield and Greet on the Trail
Uphill hikers typically have the right of way — step aside, say hello, and offer space.
At approach bottlenecks, be patient and avoid “cramponing” your way past another party.
If you’re with a large group, don’t overwhelm small rest areas or crag spots — let solo hikers or smaller parties pass or share space.
Leave it Nicer Than You Found It
Pick up trash — yours or not.
Brush tick marks off holds when you're done.
Erase chalk footprints off boulders, especially in photogenic or sensitive areas.
Return removed stones, logs, or pads to where they were (if moved from natural locations).
Example: In Bishop or Hueco Tanks, visible tick marks and scattered tape are a major source of tension between climbers and land managers. A quick brush-down goes a long way.
Be Honest About Your Abilities
Don’t get on a climb you can’t finish safely if you’re likely to leave gear behind or gum up the route for others.
Don’t toprope directly through anchor chains on sport climbs — use your own gear to reduce wear and show respect for local bolting efforts.
Community is Part of Stewardship
Being considerate doesn’t mean being quiet or invisible — it means being aware. It means taking a moment to notice:
Is someone waiting?
Am I dominating the space unintentionally?
How would I feel if I came upon this exact scene?
Good climbing days are made not just by great routes — but by great people. Respect is contagious.
Why It Matters
Outdoor spaces are shared by climbers, hikers, wildlife watchers, and wilderness lovers alike. Climbing isn't a solo act — it's a shared rhythm between humans and the land.
Being considerate of others ensures that crags stay welcoming, access stays open, and the climbing community continues to thrive with mutual respect.