Red-tailed hawk in Rocky Mountain National Park/Courtesy Ann Schonlau, Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its soaring vistas, popular hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. To protect native species, staff must monitor their populations and close off sections of the park when needed.

Each year to protect raptor nesting sites, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the Lumpy Ridge area of the park. To ensure that these birds of prey can nest undisturbed, these specific areas are monitored by wildlife managers during restricted periods. All closures began on March 1 and will continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity.  

Raptors experienced dramatic population losses in the mid-20th century as a result of pesticides and other pollution. Today, their numbers have risen, but nesting remains a vulnerable period in their annual life cycle. By restricting access to certain locations within Rocky Mountain National Park, wildlife managers can maintain healthy bird of prey populations for generations to come.
 
Closures include Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Sundance, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, and Twin Owls, Rock One. These closures include the named formations, and also include all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes, and climber access trails to the named rock formations. Check the park’s website for updated information on raptor closures.

The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers, and the cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.