Raptor Closures

Raptor Monitoring

NPS

Raptor closures have been lifted for the 2026 nesting season.

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

 

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.

 

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.