Raptors & Birds of Prey
Seasonal Voluntary Raptor Closures
Raptors or birds of prey are species of birds that are primarily carnivorous. This includes falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, and vultures. Some species of raptors are listed as sensitive or endangered due to numerous reasons. Unlike smaller birds, raptors tend to return to the same nest each year. These nests commonly share cliffs with climbers putting us in direct conflict with their sensitive reproduction season. This season are generally from February 1 through July 31. A seasonal voluntary closure is a temporary closure to help increase the likelihood of a successful reproductive season. Climbers are one of the few recreational user groups that can directly impact raptor breeding success in both a positive or negative way. By complying with these voluntary closures, we can:
Ensure the success of raptor breeding
Ensure that the minimum climbing closures are instituted and science based
Ensure a healthy relationship between climbers, land managers and conservation groups
Help educate other climbers and the general public.
There are multiple negative factors that climbers can have on a breeding pair. These include, but not limited to: resilience to human activity (type of human behavior, and predictability, frequency, magnitude and timing of the activity), viewsheds (visual and audio disturbance) and seasonal sensitivity (see image). It is important to note that if YOU don’t see raptors in a closed area, THEY DO SEE you. By avoiding the nests line of sight (viewshed) you are helping to ensure the success of the breeding pair.
The SLCA works with Federal Land Managers (USFS, BLM) and HawkWatch International in monitoring these nests. Please use these birds' behavior as your guide so as not to disturb them when visiting this area. An eagle flying back and forth and calling repeatedly is telling you that you are in its territory, and you may be disturbing its nest. If you notice defensive behavior from a raptor, please report it to SLCA or Jordan Herman at HawkWatch (jherman@hawkwatch.org) so that we can inform other climbers about which areas to avoid. Self-regulation preserves access, and limits human disturbance on raptor habitat.
Nests are regularly monitored in order to release the site from the voluntary closure as soon as possible. Please stay tuned for more information.
2024 Seasonal Voluntary Raptor Closures: effective March 1
The Poptire Cave status: Closed
Maple Canyon (Maple Canyon Road Climbing) Status: CLOSED
The Early Bird Crag
The Frontera
The Undertaker Wall
The Sushi Bar
the Great Chasm
Indian Creek: CLOSED - Visit the BLMs website for more information
The Wall (left)
Cliffs of Insanity
Original Meat
Tenderloins
2nd Meat
1st Meat
Disappointment
Selffish
Six Star
Public Service
The Fin
Broken Tooth
Cat Wall
Slug Wall
Reservoir Wall
Critics Choice
Zion National Park: CLOSED - click here to download the 2024 Zion guide to seasonal raptor closures
Angels Landing Climbing Routes - Peregrine Falcon Closure Only - Hiking route remains open
East Temple
Mount Spry
The Streaked Wall
The Sentinel
Mountain of the Sun
North Twin Brother
Cable Mountain
The Great White Throne
Isaac (in Court of the Patriarchs)
Tunnel Wall
Mount Kinesava