Editing Delicate Arch (section)

==Climbing==

In May 2006, climber [[Dean Potter]] performed as many as six [[Free solo climbing|free solo ascents]] of the arch. Climbing Delicate Arch was not explicitly forbidden under the rules in force at the time, which only stated that routes "may be closed" on any named arch; however, most climbers accepted that the named arch formations should not be climbed. The NPS has since closed the loophole by disallowing climbs on any named arch within the park year-round. [[Slacklining]] and the placement of new fixed anchors on new climbs are also prohibited.<ref name=Neville>{{cite web|url=http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/rock-climbing/How-Delicate-Was-Dean-.html|title=How Delicate Was Dean?|last=Neville|first=Tim|website=outsideonline.com|publisher=Outside Integrated Media, LLC|date=June 1, 2006|access-date=March 10, 2019}}</ref>

Controversy ensued when photographs taken after Potter's climb appeared to show damage caused by a climbing technique called [[Top rope climbing|top roping]]. Potter stated on several occasions that he never damaged the arch, and no photos exist of Potter using a top rope setup on the arch. Previous climbers may have top-roped the arch, leaving the existing rope scars.<ref name=Neville/> Potter did admit to using a counterweighted rope over the top of the arch, within a natural groove,<ref>[[Patagonia (clothing)|Patagonia]] and Dean Potter (June 8, 2006). [https://www.outsideonline.com/1828261/official-statement-patagonia-and-dean-potter-delicate-arch-climb "Official Statement from Patagonia and Dean Potter on the Delicate Arch Climb"]. ''outsideonline.com''. Retrieved January 2, 2020.</ref> as well as four [[Spring-loaded camming device|cams]] in a horizontal crack of harder rock at the summit. He used the rope and cams for protection while rehearsing his free solo route and to rappel back down after the free solos. Two fellow climbers also ascended via fixed ropes, one of whom recorded video of Potter from the top.<ref name=Neville/>