A Community Effort to Keep Rocklands Open

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of CapeNature, the Rocklands Partnership, and the Rocklands Access Development (RAD) initiative, climbers can continue to enjoy this world-renowned destination—but only with care, respect, and responsibility.

This season's access update reflects a delicate balance between climbing and conservation, especially in areas affected by recent fires. We're grateful to all stakeholders and especially the local climbers who contributed to the access surveys. Your support is what keeps this possible.

📅 Seasonal Status – Until June 1st, 2025

Until the official start of the climbing season on June 1st, only unburned sectors are open. All others, including those reopening later with conditions, remain closed to protect fynbos regrowth.

📅 From June 1st, 2025

Several burned areas will reopen under strict environmental conditions. This balanced approach allows climbing to continue while safeguarding the fragile ecosystem.

Read more detailed information from below

🔴 Closed Sectors – Still Off Limits

Due to remoteness, high ecological impact, or fire damage, the following sectors remain closed for the 2025 season:

• Cedar Spine Gully
• Last Day in Paradise
• Narnia
• Saddle
• Otherside
• The Island

Please respect these closures—entering these areas can jeopardize future access and cause lasting environmental damage.

🟠 Limited Access – Open With Conditions

The following burned but partially accessible areas are now open under strict conditions:

• Roadside
• Riverside
• Roadcrew
• Fortress
• Bastille / Fortress Sport Crag
• Roadside Sport Climbing
• Gallery

These areas are a privilege to climb this season. Access is granted under risk—continued violations could shut them down.

Key Rules for These Sectors:

• 🕘 Climbing Hours: 09:00–17:00 (you must be out by 5 PM)
• ✅ Check-in/out required at the Pass entry station
• 📜 Rocklands Bouldering Permit mandatory
• 🥾 Stick to marked trails and demarcated areas
• 🚫 No entry to closed sectors, no dogs, littering, fires, or camping
• 👁️ Rangers, volunteers, and cameras will be monitoring compliance
• No dogs, littering, fires or overnighting

❗ One careless act could lead to full closure. Let's not blow it.

✅ Fully Open Sectors – No Restrictions

These areas remain unburned and fully accessible:

• The Rhino
• French Side
• Campground
• Champsite
• Dogtown
• Off the Road
• Leanne
• The Section
• The Place to Be
• Champside
• Wild West Wall
• Biscuit Buttress

All sectors on private land are open and stay open.

🙌 How You Can Help

• 📣 Social Media Campaign: Help spread awareness and educate others about responsible access.
• 🛠️ Volunteer Work Week (Mid-May): Join in prepping affected areas—path marking, signage, and demarcation.
• 🧭 Volunteer Ranger Program: Locals and long-term visitors: get trained in conservation patrols and be a steward of Rocklands.

Stay tuned for more details on access terms, maps, volunteer dates, and how to apply as a Ranger.

Final Word

Rocklands is more than a climbing destination—it's a fragile, beautiful ecosystem. Let's lead by example and show the world how climbers can protect the places we love.