News Release

Temporary Closure of Slatanic Area of Rattlesnake Canyon for Nesting Golden Eagles

Date: February 15, 2018
Contact: Jennie Kish Albrinck, 760-367-5520

The park superintendent, under the authority of Title 36 C.F.R., section 1.5(a)(1), has issued a temporary closure order for climbing in the Slatanic Area of Rattlesnake Canyon. Specific locations include: Witch Hunt, South of Heaven, Rattlesnake Buttress, Rattlesnake Forks, Margaret Thatcher Spire, The Stepping Stones, The Bulkhead, The Dunce Cap, Commissioner’s Buttress, and Corrugated Wall.

Hiking routes passing through Rattlesnake Canyon remain open.

The presence of a pair of nesting Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), in close proximity to a number of these climbing routes requires closure of the area. The closure will remain in effect until the birds have fledged and the nest has been abandoned, and is not expected to last longer than June 15, 2018.