Land managers get stressed out about parking for climbing.
It’s both about both safety and courtesy. Along busy roads, that over-stuffed parking lot is a hazard to you and others – you can cause an accident. In quieter places you may be blocking neighborhood access, and maybe that neighbor owns the land you are parking to climbing on.
So… before just pulling off the side of the road to park for climbing, run through a quick mental checklist:
- Is there enough room for me, or is this lot full?
- Am I maximizing the space for other cars to park here too?
- Am I totally off the road, and not blocking any driveways?
If you’re borderline on any of these issues, maybe it’s best to park further away and walk a little longer, or choose a different place to climb.
To avoid problems and plan ahead, check the guidebook or Mountain Project for parking recommendations.
