Come to the Visitors Center with your climbing permit ready to go!

Thanks to Thacher Park it is easier than ever to complete your yearly climbing permit by completing it online!

No more printing out a paper copy and bringing it to the Visitors Center or having to wait and fill one out there; It’s all done before you even arrive!

The application and permit are 100% free and take less than 2 minutes to complete.

It’s as easy as 1,2,3…4!!

1. Download and fill out the permit right on your computer. You can also download the application from the Park’s homepage here.

Mac users: make sure you have the latest web browser updates and try different web browsers if the form is not fillable( Firefox seemed to be iffy, Google Chrome for the win?).

2. Email the completed and signed waiver to jbthacher@parks.ny.gov. It is easiest to use a PDF reader like Adobe to electronically sign the form.

3. Bring a photo ID with you to pick up your 2020 climbing permit from the Visitors Center service window once climbing is open again.

4. Enjoy unlimited climbing for the 2020 season when we are open!

Please sign IN and Out of the trailhead book each visit and park in the designated places only.

In order to minimize person-to-person contact, especially during COVID-19, please complete the permit application online. Not only will it be quicker and easier than doing it by paper, but it will also help limit contact potentials.

As always, remember to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer before and after receiving your permit, and maintaining 6′ distances while getting your permit.

Check out our other blog posts about proper behavior while climbing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please follow all rules and guidelines put out by Thacher Park as well.

Some specific guidelines to follow are:

1. Don’t go to the crag if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, think you may have been exposed, or feel sick. Stay home and take care of yourself.
2. Try to climb with those in your household or those you have been in routine close contact with.
3. Please limit your party size to only you and your partner. 
4. Don’t add to the burden on our first responders – select objectives that are well within your limit and climb cautiously. If an accident were to occur, it could put more people, besides the climbers, at risk of infection.
5. Avoid busy climbing areas. If you encounter a busy wall, go to a second option, and maybe even a third or go home.
6. Don’t climb directly next to someone. Apply the six to ten-foot social distance guideline to your route selection.
7. Use hand sanitizer before and after climbing a route, belaying, and snacking.
8. Bring your mask and wear it when passing other parties on the trail or at the base. Consider belaying and climbing in your mask as well.

These guidelines are in place to keep us safe. Do your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to the guidelines. Be an upstander, not a bystander: If you see someone not adhering to the guidelines, kindly educate them about the guidelines and why they are in place.