DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF STATE PARKS
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Rappelling and Rock Climbing Permit Requirements
- Rappelling and rock climbing is permitted only on the two cliffs on the west side of the east fork of the Black River from the day after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day.
- Rappelling and rock climbing are allowed by permit. This permit must be in your possession while rappelling or rock climbing and is valid until sunset on the date the permit is issued for.
- A maximum of 25 permits will be issued per day, and a maximum of 175 permits a week will be issued for both areas.
- Solo climbing is prohibited at all times.
- Pitons, bolts, and/or any other protection or anchoring devices that damage or disfigure park resources are prohibited.
- 2 (two) healthy trees at least 6 (six) inches in diameter or solid immovable rock faces are the minimum required for anchor points.
- Helmets with chin straps must be worn at all times while rappelling and rock climbing and at all times within 20 (twenty) feet of the cliff base.
- The department recommends that all climbing equipment be UIAA (Union Internationale des Association d’Alpinisme) approved. Safety helmets must be worn at all times.
- Unsupervised hanging ropes or other equipment are not permitted and may be confiscated.
- Failure to abide by these regulations will result in the loss of climbing privileges.
All persons 18 (eighteen) years of age and older must read and sign this permit in order to rappel or rock climb in Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. Any person under the age of 18 (eighteen) must have the signature of their parent or legal guardian.
I, (person named below), am fully aware of all requirements of this permit and will comply with the requirements completely. I am fully aware that rappelling and rock climbing can result in serious injury or death and undertake this activity at my own risk. I assume full responsibility and full liability for acquainting myself with all potential dangers, and agree to abide by all safety rules and standards for rappelling and rock climbing activities. Consequently, I do hereby, for myself, my heirs, estate, survivors or assigns, forever release the State of Missouri, its agencies, and all of its employees of any responsibility or any liability as a result of my activities associated with rappelling or rock climbing. I further promise to bind myself, my heirs, estate, survivors or assigns, to indemnify the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for any rewards resulting from any lawsuits filed as a result of these activities. The entire amount rewarded plus reimbursement for all cost which the Missouri Department of Natural Resources may incur from such lawsuits will be included in the indemnification.
Parents or legal guardians signing for minors agree to repay to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources any judgment obtained by the minor plus reimbursement for all costs which the Missouri Department of Natural Resources may incur from the lawsuit.