Raptor Closures

Peregrine Falcon in nest with eggs

NPS

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

To ensure that birds of prey can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during the nesting season and monitored by National Park Service wildlife managers.

Raptor closures are now in effect and will remain in place through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity.

 

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:

• Twin Owls
• Rock One
• Thunder Buttress
• The Parish
• The Book
• The Left Book
• Bookmark
• Bookmark Pinnacle
• The Needle

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?

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.