National Park Service
National Park Service
1849 C Street, N.W., Room 3112
Washington, District of Columbia 20240
Phone: 202-208-4621
Overview
This page contains some basic information on the National Park Service, the related restrictions and regulations, and their association with canyon country. The restrictions and regulations discussed here may or may not pertain to all national parks and monuments. Check with local rangers for specific regulations. However, most of these rules should be viewed as proper behavior when visiting most public lands and should be used as a basis when you are not sure what is allowed. Canyon country parks cover a wide variety of landscapes and environmental regions. Not all of these regulations apply to all situations. These fragile and heavily used areas are easily damaged. Protect the parklands for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Help protect this area by honoring these regulations.
General Contacts
- Department of the Interior
Department of the Interior; 1849 C Street, N.W.; Washington, District of Columbia 20240; Phone: 202-208-3100. - Intermountain Region Support Office of the National Park Service
2968 Rodeo Park Drive West, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505; phone: Phone: 505-988-6100. - National Park Pass
Phone: 888-467-2757. The National Park Pass is a $50.00 annual pass, valid at all National Parks that charge an entrance fee. The pass can be ordered online or by calling. - NPS Interactive Map Center
- National Park Reservation Service
Phone: 800-365-2267.
State Offices
Restrictions and Regulations
Unless otherwise posted or informed, use the following rules as a guideline when visiting the national parks and monuments. Be aware that failure to heed the safety recommendations could result in loss of personal property, serious injury, illness, or even death. Do not take unnecessary risks. There is no guarantee of your safety. Following these guidelines is a good idea in any national park or monument, or, for that matter, on any public lands. It is your responsibility to know and obey park rules and regulations. All federal and state laws are strictly enforced.
The restrictions and regulations posted here are not comprehensive and other rules may apply.
Campfires and Wood Gathering
- No open or ash producing fires are allowed.
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Be sure it is out cold before you leave or go to bed.
- Wood gathering is prohibited. Bring fuel for the grills provided, or bring a stove.
- Where open fires are allowed, use existing fire rings.
- Oleander is a toxic plant common to some developed areas. Do not use wood of the oleander for cooking.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Camping and Campgrounds
- Camp or picnic only at designated sites and dispose of all refuse in garbage cans.
- Use existing campsites and fire rings.
- The use of primitive camping sites and the backcountry is limited. Permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips.
- Always practice minimum impact camping, pack out your trash, and use recycling containers where available.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
General Considerations
Observe all posted warnings.
- Stay behind barricades and on trails. Many places along canyon rims are not protected by guardrails and are a serious hazard because of the weathered condition of the rock. Keep children under very close supervision.
- Don't get too close to the edge. The most obvious danger is the sheer drop-off at a canyons edge or along a cliff. Rock can be crumbly and slippery when wet. Be sure to keep a careful eye on children and pets.
- Refrain from throwing or rolling rocks from high places. A single stone thrown or rolled from the rim can cause fatal injuries to people below.
- Enjoy the natural quiet. Do not yell while on the trail or at overlooks.
- Smoking is permitted in designated areas only. Make sure that all cigarettes are put out completely.
- Picnics are permitted only in designated areas.
- Never enter mines or tunnels; abandoned shafts are often deep and old timbers can be rotten. Forgotten caches of explosives are occasionally found in mine areas. Do not touch them, but report them to a Park ranger as soon as possible.
- Respect land, water, and natural resources. All park features are protected. Collecting specimens of any kind, or defacing park features, deprives other visitors. Leave everything as you found it for others to enjoy. Do not deface or remove any natural or historic features. Do not pick wildflowers or other plants, or kill, capture, feed, or molest wildlife. If you must collect something, pick up some litter.
- Geocaching is prohibited in many parks and monuments.
- In mountain areas serious accidents can occur on snow and ice fields even in the summer. Stay back from the edge of steep snow slopes or cornices and avoid sliding on snow and ice outside of designated snow play areas.
- Lock your car when unattended and keep all valuables out of sight. Do not leave valuables at your tent. If a theft should occur, notify a ranger.
- Leaving property unattended for longer than 24 hours without prior permission is prohibited.
- Keep small children with you at all times.
- Honor the work and privacy of private land owners within or near the parks and monuments.
- Pack out what you bring in, plus any litter you happen to find.
- In an emergency, come to the Visitor Center or contact any park employee.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Hiking and Trails
Always check with a ranger before entering the backcountry.
- Stay on the trails to help prevent erosion and to protect the fragile resources, such as the plants and animals that live in the park or monument. Off-trail travel is not permitted.
- Many places along the rim are not protected by guardrails and are a serious hazard because of the weathered condition of the rock. Stay away from canyon rims, look before you step to make sure the path is clear, and keep children under very close supervision.
- Avoid cutting switch-backs on the trail. This leads to erosion.
- Never throw or roll rocks. There may be hikers below.
- For long hikes and wilderness camping, take plenty of water and tell a park ranger of your plans.
- The use of the backcountry is limited and wilderness permits are required for all overnight backpacking trips.
- Wear sturdy boots, and do not put your hands or feet into a place you can't see.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Horses and Livestock
- Within most parks and monuments horses are prohibited on all trails.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Hunting, Fishing, Firearms, and Fireworks
- All wildlife is protected from hunting and harassment. Hunting and trapping are prohibited.
- The discharging of any kind of weapon (including firearms, BB and pellet guns, paintball guns, bows, and slingshots) is prohibited. At all times firearms must be completely unloaded and fully cased or broken down or otherwise packed to prevent their use, and kept out of sight. Ammunition must be placed in a separate compartment of the vehicle. Weapons are not permitted in wilderness areas.
- Traps, explosives, fireworks, and firecrackers are prohibited.
- Fishing is permitted in some parks, with a valid local fishing license. Specified waters are closed, or open to fly fishing only. Check with a Park Ranger or at the Visitor Center for specific fishing regulations, bait restrictions, creel limits, and open seasons.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Motorized Vehicles
- Personal watercraft are prohibited.
- ATVs are not permitted.
- Snowmobiles are generally prohibited except within specific parks and monuments. Within those locations over-snow vehicles must be registered yearly and state snowmobile registration is required. Snowmobiles are permitted on designated unplowed roads when snow conditions permit.
- Drive defensively.
- Seatbelt and child restraint laws apply. Buckle up!
- Stop at a visitor center to check park road conditions. Local weather can make some areas impassable.
- Park roads are designed for sightseeing. Obey posted speed limits. Most parks and monuments have a speed limit ranging between 25 and 45 miles per hour. In many parks there are steep drop-offs along some roads and sharp curves can obscure visibility. Other drivers may make sudden, unexpected maneuvers, so drive defensively. Gravel roads are dangerous at high speeds. Animals, including deer and cattle, may run in front of a vehicle, especially in the early morning and twilight hours.
- Brake gently; don't swerve to avoid wildlife; you could end up in a collision with a tree or vehicle.
- Do not stop in the roadway. Do not block traffic when viewing wildlife or scenery.
- Never pass another motorized vehicle while in the park. Use caution when passing bicycles.
- Use pullouts to allow vehicles to pass if traveling under 30 m.p.h.
- Off-road parking is prohibited. Park in designated areas only. If you have any doubt, don't park there. Return at a later time if a parking lot is filled. Overnight parking requires a permit.
- When leaving your vehicle, do not invite theft by leaving valuable items in plain view. Lock your car when you leave it even for a short time.
- No vehicles may be operated outside of established public roads, parking areas, and other designated areas, including wash bottoms. This includes cars, pickups, trucks, motorcycles, trail bikes, ATVs, ORVs, RVs, etc. Obey all signs. Off-road driving destroys plants and animals and leaves scars that are slow to heal.
- It is illegal to have opened alcoholic beverages in a vehicle while on Park roads.
- No wheeled vehicles are permitted on park and monument tails.
- Leave gates as you find them.
- Do your part to control dust—drive slowly.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Bicycles, Skateboards, and Wheelchairs
- Unless otherwise posted, bicycles, mountain bikes, skateboards, and other wheeled vehicles, other than wheelchairs, are not permitted on trails.
- Keep bicycles on roads and paved paths unless posted otherwise. Ride only in the established traffic direction on one-way roads, not against it.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Pets
- Pet regulations are strictly enforced.
- Pet owners must assume complete responsibility for their pets.
- Pets frighten wildlife and may disturb hikers. They must be on a short leash (maximum length 6 feet) at all times and kept under physical control. Leashed pets are restricted to areas within 100 feet of developed roads, specified campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking areas.
- Pets are not allowed on trails, beaches, public buildings (including visitor centers), on snow, on ranger-led activities, nor in the backcountry. In those instances where they are allowed on trails, they must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Do not leave animals unattended, especially in a vehicle during warm weather. Summer heat can be intense and reach temperatures of 160 degrees F. within a closed vehicle. Pets left in vehicles—even for a short time—can suffer heat stroke and die.
- Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up pet litter and depositing of it in garbage cans.
- Boarding kennels may be available in gateway communities outside of many of the parks and monuments.
- Oleander is a toxic plant common to some developed areas. You or your pet should not eat plant parts or drink water from ditches where oleander grows.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Ruins, Artifacts, Fossils, and Natural Features
Federal law provides severe penalties for defacing, removing, destroying, or tampering with the natural and human produced features found within our national parks and monuments. The best practice is to leave every undisturbed, just as you find it, so that those who come after you may also enjoy them. No collecting is allowed on these public lands unless otherwise indicated within a specific park or monument. There are substantial fines for disregarding these rules.
When visiting an historic or archaeological site, remember that touching rock art or climbing on structures is inappropriate, just as if you were in any fine museum. Show respect to the past, present, and future generations. Enjoy, but do not destroy, our heritage. Show reverence for Native American artifacts, structures, and artwork. With your help and consideration these features will be here for future generations to enjoy. Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
- Cultural, Historic, and Archaeological Ruins—Do not climb, sit, stand, or walk on the rock walls of prehistoric ruins. Stay on established trails, and do not enter archaeological structures.
- Artifacts—This includes pottery shards, arrow points, and other stone or cultural objects.
- Rock Art—Do not touch, trace, rub, or highlight rock art (pictographs and petroglyphs) using any means.
- Fossils—This includes petrified wood.
- Natural Features—This includes geological structures and erosional features.
- Natural Products—This includes plants, animals, wildflowers, antlers, driftwood, and firewood, unless otherwise posted.
- Rocks and Minerals—Do not collect, remove, or damage these items.
- See American Antiquities Act of 1906.
- See Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979.
Trash and Other Waste
- Carry out all trash, even cigarette butts.
- Use trash receptacles when available. In most parks and monuments garbage cans are plentiful. Keep our open spaces beautiful by using them. Remember that cigarette butts are litter, too.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Vandalism and Theft
- Theft is uncommon within the parks, but it does occur. Valuables should not be left unattended.
- Keep valuables with you or store them securely out of sight within your locked vehicle, preferably in the trunk.
- If you camp, place lanterns, stoves, and other equipment inside of your tent or vehicle when you leave your campsite.
- Do not leave valuables such as wallets, purses, keys, cameras, etc. in your tent when you are not present.
- Promptly report thefts to a ranger.
- Report vandalism or removal of objects to a ranger.
Water
- Do not drink wilderness water without first filtering and then sterilizing it. Learn about giardiasis.
- Rivers, streams, and waterfalls can be treacherous at all times, but especially when water levels are high and turbulent. Approach them cautiously and be alert for undermined banks and slippery rocks. Fast currents and cold water are a deadly combination.
- Do not swim above waterfalls or in swift water.
- Most rivers, streams, and lakes within the parks and monuments allow only hand-propelled boats and rafts. Check for local restrictions.
- Thunderstorms carry the double threat of flash floods and lightning. Distant downpours can cause flash flooding in areas untouched by rain. Never camp in a wash or a low-lying area or drive across a flooded road. Check ranger stations for weather updates.
- A microscopic amoeba (Naegleria fowleria) common to some hot springs can cause infection and sometimes death; do not dive or put your head into hot springs or streams.
Weather
- Take adequate precautions against summer heat and sudden rain or dust storms.
- Mountain weather can change rapidly from one extreme to another. Be prepared with layers of clothing to put on or take off.
- Be alert for flash floods when it looks stormy. Do not ford low places when water is running. Flood waters can undercut pavement or sweep a car from the road.
- Beware of thunderstorms. Head for shelter if you hear thunder. Lightning can kill or injure. Lightning often occurs in mid-afternoon in the summer. During storms, get off ridges or peaks; avoid large rocks, trees, and telephone lines; and, if on horseback, dismount and stay clear of the horse. Avoid overlooks during lightning storms. Lightning is not uncommon. It is best to avoid exposed, high areas such as overlooks, especially those with tall trees or metal railings.
- Thunderstorms carry the double threat of flash floods and lightning. Distant downpours can cause flash flooding in areas untouched by rain. Never camp in a wash or a low-lying area or drive across a flooded road. Stay out of open areas where lightning may strike. Check ranger stations for weather updates.
- Stop at a visitor center and check on park road conditions. Local weather can make some areas impassable.
Wild Animals and Plants
All animals and plants within our parks and monuments are considered to be wild and part of a complex and protected natural system.
- Avoid contact with wildlife; enjoy these wild creatures from a safe distance. Wildlife may appear tame, but may attack or bite if threatened. The larger animals are quick, powerful, and unpredictable. The presence of bubonic plague, rabies, fleas, and ticks has been detected in many parks and monuments and can be transmitted through contact.
- Do not feed wild animals (this includes squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and deer). Feeding them may be hazardous to their health. Let them find their own natural foods. Wild animals that are fed by people are less likely to survive the winter, so keep wild animals wild.
- Watch for, and respect, poisonous animals such as snakes and scorpions. These animals will leave you alone unless disturbed or cornered. Shake out your shoes and boots before putting them on, and watch where you put your hands and feet.
- Bears (including black bears and grizzlies) live in many of our parks and monuments. Federal law requires proper food storage where they are present. Ask a ranger for detailed information. Learn what to do around bears.
- Wildlife may not be hunted, trapped, teased, injured, or harassed.
- Mountain lions may be present in some of the backcountry of our parks and monuments. Generally they are calm, quiet, and elusive. Learn what to do around mountain lions.
- Be alert for animals crossing roads, especially at dawn, dusk, or when roads are wet.
- Do not approach bison (buffalo). Bison can weight 2000 pounds and can sprint at 30 m.p.h.; three times faster than you can run. Many visitors have been gored.
- Do not pick or damage wild plants, including wildflowers. Berry-picking for immediate consumption is generally allowed. .
- Oleander is a toxic plant common to some developed areas. You or your pet should not eat plant parts or drink water from ditches. Do not use wood of the oleander for cooking.
- Following forest fires in the parks and monuments there can be thousands of dead trees, known as snags, left standing. Snags can fall with very little warning. Be cautious and alert for falling snags along trails and roadways, and in campsites and picnic areas. Avoid areas with large numbers of dead trees.
- Report inappropriate behavior to the proper authorities.
Books and Resources
Related Sites
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