Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Now, this beloved park is adding a new chapter to its legacy: rock climbing. For the first time, climbers have legal access to the rugged sandstone cliffs of Petit Jean. This opportunity was made possible through careful planning and partnerships among park officials, outdoor recreation advocates, and the climbing community.
A Brief History of Petit Jean State Park
Established in the 1920s, Petit Jean State Park holds the honor of being Arkansas’s first state park. It is “a natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers for decades,” according to Arkansas State Parks. The park’s creation was inspired by “the natural beauty and ancient geology of the legendary Petit Jean Mountain” that overlooks the Arkansas River Valley. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed many of Petit Jean’s facilities, including trails, bridges, and the iconic Mather Lodge overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon, giving the park its signature rustic charm.
Opening a New Chapter: Climbing at Seven Hollows
After years of preparation, Petit Jean’s sandstone cliffs are officially open to climbers in the Seven Hollows area of the park. Arkansas State Parks teamed up with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, Arkansas Climbers Coalition, and other partners to develop dedicated climbing routes here. As the park’s announcement describes, “this expansion isn’t just about adding a new recreation opportunity, it’s about thoughtfully planning for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts while safeguarding the resources that make Petit Jean irreplaceable.”
The result is a climbing area that balances adventure with conservation. “Overall, I think this project is really special for the state of Arkansas and historically significant for climbers in the region,” said Mitchell Allen, Executive Director of the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation. He noted that allowing climbing where it was previously off-limits is rare nationwide, making Petit Jean’s new routes truly unique. “Climbing at Petit Jean State Park offers a unique outdoor experience in the state,” Allen added.
In total, the Seven Hollows climbing zone features around 35-40 roped rock climbs (mostly bolted sport routes, with a few traditional gear-protected lines) and over 150 bouldering problems on Petit Jean’s signature sandstone. These routes range from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced challenges that will test even expert climbers. Local guidebook author Cole Fennel called the development “a big step forward for rock climbing and for the relationship between Arkansas State Parks, rock climbers and outdoor recreation in general.” The park is also establishing a process for adding future routes: a climbers’ committee, along with park staff and archaeologists, will review any new route proposals to ensure safety and protect cultural sites.
One feature that makes climbing at Petit Jean special is the rock itself. The park’s cliffs are composed of Hartshorne Sandstone that exhibits striking iron-oxide banding and formations nicknamed “carpet rocks” blocky protrusions that provide naturally gym-like holds. “The geology is unique for the state, and the prominent bluffs of Hartshorne Sandstone contain Liesegang banding which produce interesting color variation and blocky iron ridges referred to as carpet rocks,” Allen explained. “These features make for fun and engaging rock climbing.” The narrow hollows and towering bluffs give the climbing area an intimate, wild character “unlike other rock-climbing areas in the state,” Allen said.
Park officials have been careful to balance this new use with preservation of Petit Jean’s rich natural and cultural resources. Before opening the routes, the Arkansas Archeological Survey helped ensure that no known rock art or historic sites would be disturbed by climbers. “At Petit Jean State Park, we have worked closely with the Arkansas Archeological Survey to define climbing areas that will not impact any of the known American Indian rock art sites in the park,” explained Park Interpreter Joe Larson. By concentrating climbing in approved zones and educating visitors, the park expects to protect its ancient pictographs and unique ecosystems while fostering a new community of climbers.
Guided Climbing with Frontier Climbing Company
To help visitors enjoy the cliffs safely, Petit Jean State Park has partnered with a local guide service. “As of November 2025, Frontier Climbing Company will be the exclusive rock climbing guide service for Petit Jean State Park,” the company announced. Frontier Climbing Company operates a climbing outpost at Mather Lodge (in the lodge’s original front desk area) to provide information, gear, and guided trips. They serve as the park’s exclusive, state-approved concessionaire for climbing, meaning Frontier is the only business authorized by the state to lead climbs in the park.
Frontier Climbing Company offers a variety of services for climbers of all ages and experience levels, including:
- Guided rock climbing – Half-day climbing excursions on Petit Jean’s cliffs.
- Guided rappelling – Learn to descend the sandstone bluffs on rope under expert supervision.
- Guided bouldering – Tours of the park’s boulder fields with crash pads provided.
- Group outings – Custom climbing adventures for larger groups (such as scout troops, schools, or corporate teams).
- Climbing clinics – Educational programs and workshops to teach climbing techniques, safety, and Leave No Trace practices.
- Private instruction – One-on-one or small group lessons tailored to individual skill levels.
- Gear rentals – Rental of climbing equipment like helmets, harnesses, shoes, crash pads (with stick-clips for ropes provided free).
- Retail items – A small selection of climbing essentials (such as chalk and guidebooks) available for purchase.
The guide service operates Wednesday through Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It’s recommended to book guided trips in advance, although walk-ins at the lodge outpost are welcome when guides and gear are available.
Climbing Rules and Guidelines
Whether climbing with a guide or on your own, all visitors must follow specific rules to protect Petit Jean State Park’s resources and ensure continued access for climbing:
- Check-In and Waivers: All climbers (independent or guided) are required to check in at the Frontier Climbing Company desk in Mather Lodge or at the park Visitor Center. Upon check-in, you must sign the park’s climbing waiver and will receive a wristband to wear while climbing.
- Designated Climbing Areas Only: Climbing is only allowed in the designated areas of the park (currently, the approved sections of Seven Hollows). Do not climb on any cliffs, boulders, or structures outside of the official climbing zones.
- Use Colored Chalk: Standard white climbing chalk is not permitted, as it leaves unsightly marks on the rock. Climbers should use colored chalk that matches the rock’s natural hues (available at the Frontier Climbing outpost) to minimize visual impact on the cliffs.
- No Unauthorized Route Development: Do not install new bolts, anchors, or create new climbing routes or boulder problems without permission. Any additions must go through the park’s approval process involving park staff, climbers, and archaeologists.
- Respect the Park and Others: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, brush off chalk marks when you finish a climb, and avoid damaging or removing any plants, rocks, or cultural artifacts. Be considerate of other park visitors – yield to hikers on shared trails and keep noise to a minimum. Importantly, never disturb the park’s prehistoric rock art or any archaeological features.
By adhering to these guidelines, climbers can help keep Petit Jean’s crags open and pristine. Larson notes that climbers tend to value the places they climb, and the goal is to “build a lasting connection with the landscape” rather than to harm it. The opening of this climbing area is an exciting development for Arkansas outdoor enthusiasts – and with responsible behavior, it can remain a sustainable adventure for years to come.
Photos courtesy of Frontier Climbing.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
