Area Closures

For information on road and trail status, visit our Conditions and Closures page.

In order to protect the park's resources, the Superintendent may close certain areas of the park. These closures take place throughout the year. Some areas may be closed for weeks or months and some areas in the park are closed year round. This is not an all inclusive list of closures in Rocky Mountain National Park. Closure notices are posted throughout the park. Stop in at a park visitor center to receive updated closure information.

Entering closed areas is a violation of 36 CFR 1.5. Violators are subject to a fine of $5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

Please click on the links below for information on specific closures.

Raptor Closures Bighorn Sheep Closures Elk Rut Closures

 

Raptor Closures
Updated March 1, 2013

Lumpy Ridge Raptor Closures

Each year, from approximately March 1 through July 31, Rocky Mountain National Park initiates temporary closures in certain areas of the park to ensure birds of prey (raptors) will be undisturbed during their breeding and nesting seasons.

Closure notices will also be posted at key access points in the park.

As breeding and nesting data are collected, additional closures may be necessary, or closures may be lifted.

Twin Owls, Rock One, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Lightning Rock, Checkerboard Rock, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Alligator Rock, and Sheep Mountain are currently CLOSED.

When closed, the closures include the named rock formations and the areas surrounding the base of the formation. This includes all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber's access trails to the formation.

Areas not listed above are presumed to be open. These closures will be lifted or extended as conditions dictate.

Click here for a printable poster of the closures.

Bald Eagle Closure

Colorado River--Closed mid-November through mid-March

Closures will be lifted or extended as necessary.

The Colorado River and a zone 300 yards wide on both sides of the river are closed to human entry from mid-November through mid-March. Hiking on Ranger Meadows Loop trail, outside the closure, is permitted.

This closure is needed to protect bald eagles and their habitat. Approximately 12-15 bald eagles come here each winter to live and hunt for fish along these open sections of the Colorado River. Bald eagles are a protected species. When food is scarce and temperatures are cold, bald eagles waste vital energy fleeing from human disturbance.

For a map of the area, click here.

Your cooperation in obeying this closure is appreciated and required by federal regulations. Violators will be fined and prosecuted.

 

Bighorn Sheep Closures--Year Round
To protect bighorn sheep, “The Crater” and surrounding open tundra slopes on Specimen and Shipler Mountains, including the trail to the summit, and as posted by signs is closed year-round to all public travel.

In addition, the Specimen Mountain Trail and adjacent area is closed beginning at the trailhead on Trail Ridge Road and extending to “The Crater.” Signs indicate additional closures. This closure occurs annually from approximately May 1 through August 1, but may be extended. Area open for the season.

Further, the area west from “The Crater” overlook along the ridgeline to Shipler Mountain is closed. Signs indicate additional closures. This closure occurs annually from approximately May 1 through August 15, but may be extended.

 

Elk Rut Closures--Fall
To prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during the fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk-viewing opportunities, closures in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and the Kawuneeche Valley area are in place from September 1 through October 30, 2010. These closures are for travel on foot or horse off established roadways or designated trails from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.