Rock Stacking Considered Vandalism in National Parks

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As visitors to National Parks hit the trails, they may occasionally piles of rocks built up into interesting formations and although rock stacking may look cool, it is considered vandalism in national parks.

Rock stacking

Rock Stacking
Photo by: ryan harvey

Rock stacking or rock balancing started off as cairns- rocks stacked as a memorial or to mark an otherwise unknown path. Today, rock stacking is considered an art expression where a person balances rocks on top of each other without any form of adhesive. This practice takes a steady hand and patience regarding gravity. The rocks may be laid flat on top of each other or placed precariously with stones supporting each other’s weight from below and above. The art of rock stacking is so popular, there is even a competition held in Texas each year.

Vandalism

While approved cairns meant to mark a path or rock stacking at a permitted performance or competition are allowed, randomly stacking rocks while visiting national parks is illegal. A spokesperson for Zion National Park posted on their Facebook page regarding stated “Rock stacking in national parks may seem harmless, or even fun to make, but we invite you to reconsider the problem they pose from a broader perspective. On the one hand, hiking in nature should provide an escape and a refuge from the everyday mundane life. That refuge, ideally, should be in an unadulterated natural setting (or minimally so). Rock graffiti, even if seemingly impermanent, disturbs the natural state of the environment for other visitors, and have a permanent ecological impact. Also, be aware that it is considered by the National Park Service as a form of vandalism and it is illegal. Please leave the Narrows beautifully natural.”

Express art elsewhere

Rock stacking is a growing trend among teenagers, many of who are unaware of the criminal charges that can result. Before heading out to the parks as a family or letting teenagers go with friends, discuss with them the charges for rock stacking, rock carving and other types of vandalism in national parks.