Is Slacklining In National Parks Allowed? (Rules)

While slacklining is generally legal in the US in parks, cities and other public places, care does have to be taken as some have regulations that must be adhered to while other parks outright ban slacklining of any kind.

Some public areas allow slacklining and highlining and then ban or otherwise restrict it so you need to consult current rules to see what is allowed.

Even when you’re allowed to slackline, you’re often at the mercy of the specific park official or officer who you deal with if you’re confronted while in the act, so to speak.

Some famous national parks allow slacklining while others such as Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park in Utah do not (they used to!) so it’s important to understand where it’s currently allowed and where it is prohibited.

Top national parks and other parks and venues to consider for slacklining include:

• Yosemite National Park, CA
• Joshua Tree National Park, CA
• Smith Rock State Park, OR
• Boulder Canyon, CO
• Santa Monica Slackline Park, CA
• Long Lake (Lake Tahoe), NV
• Moab, UT

Popular parks to visit for slacklining

Yosemite National Park, CA – Almost 1,200 sq. miles in size, you might need a few days to visit the waterfalls, sequoia trees, cliffs and other great attractions. Home of the Lost Arrow Spire which saw its first highline in 1985. Check out the rules within and outside the popular Camp 4 boundary.

Joshua Tree National Park, CA – The park welcomes over 2.4 million visitors per year. Slacklining is allowed but you need to know the rules.

Smith Rock State Park, OR – Located in Oregon’s High Desert, the park features camping as well as day-use only areas. Check out the complete and current rules for highlining here.

Boulder Canyon, CO – Check out the official Boulder County website for current information or their specific page on slacklining.

Santa Monica Slackline Park, CA – This is a regular park and not a state or national one so there is no official website. GIBBON has a link that you can check out to view photos and see what the space looks like.

Long Lake (Lake Tahoe), NV – SlackMap has a great online view of the 4 permanent slacklines currently available.

Moab, UT – Swanny City Park allows slacklining where designated in the northeast corner.

How to avoid breaking the law while slacklining in a park

Make sure that the park or area you are planning to attempt slacklining in actually allows it. While some famous state and national parks may have previously allowed it in the past, they sometimes change their mind and prohibit it.

Here are some further thoughts regarding what you will commonly notice about slacklining in parks:

• Follow the rules and regulations and make sure you know them ahead of time for the specific park.
• Use tree protection at all times. Make sure you use protection that is authorized for that park, too.
• Be aware of site-specific closures and environmental protection that exists in your chosen park i.e. Peregrine falcon closures occur at Yosemite.
• Pay attention to what areas and what trees may be used for slacklining as it is sometimes limited.
• Don’t leave any slackline unattended as it’s often not allowed and may create a liability hazard for you.

First Slackline Crossing of the Lost Arrow Spire – 1985

Summary

While many parks, beaches, cities and other public areas are available for slacklining, you really do need to consult the local area’s rules to ensure you have current information.

Some public areas and parks have allowed slacklining in the past and then ban it and depending on what search results you find, you might be viewing old information.

Do pay close attention to specific locations where you can slackline and prepare to have tree protection handy because it’s a guarantee to be required.