Raptor Closures

Raptor Monitoring

NPS

Each year to protect nesting raptors like Golden eagles, hawks, Peregrine and Prairie falcons, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures.

Based on recent raptor monitoring, the following temporary closures have been lifted in the Lumpy Ridge area of RMNP:

• The Book, Left Book, Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, Batman Rock, Lightning Rock, Checkerboard Rock, Rock One, and Twin Owls.

The following formations and access trails remain closed for the protection of nesting raptors:

• The Needle, The Parish, and Thunder Buttress.

Closures include the named rock formations on all sides, as well as trails around the base of all formations, all climbing routes, outcropping, cliffs, faces, ascent routes, descent routes.

Raptor closures are in effect, and will remain in place through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date based on nesting activity. These closures are in place for the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

All raptor closures will be monitored through summer 2026. If active nesting activity is taking place, raptor closures can be extended as needed. This project is made possible by Rocky Mountain Conservancy.

The cooperation and support of park visitors continue to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.

 

Map of Lumpy Ridge showing areas that are closed for raptor nesting

NPS Map

 

Raptor Closures are in Effect

Each year, temporary closures are in place in certain areas of Rocky Mountain National Park to ensure that birds of prey will be undisturbed during their breeding and nesting seasons. These closures include the named rock formations on all sides, as well as trails around the base of all formations, all climbing routes, outcropping, cliffs, faces, ascent routes, descent routes.

The same areas that appeal to climbers, trail runners, hikers and boulderers also appear to nesting birds of prey. The cooperation of park visitors continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.

The Following Formations Are Closed:

• The Needle
• The Parish
• Thunder Buttress

The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If visitors experience aggressive behavior from birds of prey in the park, have questions about closures, or want to be involved in raptor monitoring, please email us at [e-mail].

 

NPS

Why Do Raptor Closures Matter?

Nesting birds of prey include many species of hawks, falcons, and eagles. Peregrine falcons can dive at speeds over 200 mph and may cause harm to humans when defending their nests. If disturbance pressure from human use is sustained near a nesting area, birds of prey will abandon their nest, causing chick mortality. These closures are in place for the safety of both visitors and wildlife.

The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the location to [e-mail]

To balance raptor protection and human recreational activities, RMNP monitors raptors throughout the breeding and nesting season to inform the timing and extent of temporary closures:

• At nest sites where breeding activity is observed, closures remain in place and monitoring continues.
• At nest sites where no breeding activity is observed, closures may be lifted early.
• If evidence of nesting is found in a new location, a new temporary closure may be recommended depending on the risk of human disturbance to that nest.

Do your part to protect raptors. Recreate Responsibly and Respect Area Closures.

Areas not listed are presumed to be open.

• Closures include all climbing, approach, and descent routes for the indicated formation on all sides of those formations.

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

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

Violation of these closures will result in a court citation under the authority of 36 CFR 1.5(f).

 

Bald Eagle Closures are in Effect November 15 through March 15

Closures are in effect on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park near the Colorado River annually from November 15 through March 15 for the protection of migrating Bald Eagles. Each winter, Bald Eagles return to a communal winter roost site near the Colorado River, on U.S. Forest Service land adjacent to the park. To limit disturbance, Rocky Mountain National Park closes portions of the East Shore trail, a stretch of the Colorado River, and Columbine Bay.

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

Closures are collaboratively managed by Rocky Mountain National Park and the U.S. Forest Service and will be lifted or extended as necessary.