Climbing Closures

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Closures for Peregrine Falcon Protection

The peregrine falcon is a fully protected species in California and a special status species in Yosemite due to its sensitivity to disturbance during the nesting season. To protect this species, the superintendent of Yosemite National Park is designating peregrine nesting cliffs as areas closed to visitor use, including climbing and slack-lining activities, until peregrine chicks have fledged and dispersed from those areas in 2019. This notice includes protection for an active Golden Eagle nest, also a protected species in California and Yosemite.

By order of the superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5(a) and Section (a)(1): The following areas are identified as cliffs closed to visitor use, including climbing activities, beginning March 1, 2019 and remaining in effect until July 15, 2019, or until further notice:

Rock Climbing

• Overview of Rock Climbing
• Climbing Regulations
• Climbing Closures
• Climbing Safety
• Climbing and Food Storage

 

• B.O.L.T. Wall – Immediately southwest of Leaning Tower. Closure includes all routes on the B.O.L.T. Wall.

• El Capitan, Southwest Face – Closure includes all routes between and including “Peter Pan” east to the “Dihedral Wall.”

• Fairview Dome, West Face – Tuolumne Meadows. Closure includes all routes between and including “Heart of Stone” to “Lucky Streaks.” All other routes remain open.
• Hetch Hetchy – Closed area includes Kolana Rock.
• The Rostrum – Lower Merced Canyon. Closure includes climbing routes on all sides of the Rostrum formation. Super Nova and the Jungle Gym areas remain open. All activities including, but not limited to, slacklining, high-lining, and Tyrolean traverse are prohibited at the summit and the top of the adjacent cliff.
• Wawona Dome – Closure includes all routes between and including “Cream of the Crop” to “Bark at the Moon.” From the base, the first pitch of the closed routes between and including “Lunar Eclipse” to “Bird in Flight” will remain open.

Nest sites will be monitored to provide current information on nesting status and to ensure prompt re-opening of these areas. Closures are subject to change based on current nesting status. Your cooperation in complying with these temporary restrictions is greatly appreciated.

The designation will remain in place until rescinded.

Learn more about special status bird species in Yosemite National Park.