As the 2025 winter climbing season approaches, important access updates have been announced for The Pass Sector in Rocklands, following recent fire damage in the area. Working in close partnership, CapeNature, the Rocklands Partnership, and conservation stakeholders have put forward a balanced and responsible plan to protect sensitive fynbos while keeping climbing open where possible.
What’s Open Now (Pre-Season)
From now until 1 June 2025, climbers may only access unburned sectors within the CapeNature-managed area of The Pass. These include:
Open Sectors (Fully Accessible):
The Rhino, French Side, Campground, Champsite, Dogtown, Off the Road, Léane, The Section, The Place to Be, Champside, Wild West Wall, Biscuit Buttress
These areas are safe for access and remain open throughout the season.
Opening with Conditions (From 1 June 2025)
Once the season officially begins, certain burned areas will reopen under strict environmental conditions, thanks to a collaborative agreement between CapeNature and the Rocklands Partnership. This includes:
Burned but Reopening Sectors (Conditional Access):
Roadside, Riverside, Roadcrew, Fortress, Bastille/Fortress Sport Crag, Roadside Sport Climbing, Gallery
Access Rules for These Areas:
- Climbing hours: 09:00–17:00 (must exit by 17:00)
- Mandatory check-in/out at The Pass entry station
- Valid Rocklands Bouldering Permit required
- Stay on marked paths and within designated zones
- No dogs, littering, fires, or overnighting
- Compliance will be monitored by rangers, volunteers, drones, and cameras
This reopening comes with significant responsibility. If the rules are not respected, these sectors may be closed again.
Closed Until Further Notice
Certain sectors remain closed due to remoteness and ecological sensitivity:
Cedar Spine Gully, Last Day in Paradise, Narnia, Saddle, Otherside, The Island
These areas are off-limits and must not be accessed under any circumstances.
Private Land Sectors Remain Open
All sectors on private land are unaffected by these restrictions and remain open throughout the season.
How You Can Help
In the coming weeks, Western Cape Climbing and the Rocklands Partnership will be calling on the climbing community to step up and support conservation efforts. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Spread the word: Help us amplify the importance of climbing responsibly via social media
- Volunteer Work Week: Join us in mid-May to help with path marking and signage before the season starts
- Volunteer Ranger Program: Become a steward of the land—assist with patrolling and educating climbers on sustainable access
More details about the Volunteer Ranger initiative, maps of affected zones, and full access guidelines will be shared soon.
Thank you!
A huge thank you to CapeNature, the Rocklands Partnership, RAD, and the local climbers who participated in surveys and access planning. Your dedication ensures climbing in Rocklands continues while protecting the delicate ecosystem that makes this place so special.
Let’s climb responsibly—preserve the magic of Rocklands for future generations.
