Some Raptor Closures in the Lumpy Ridge Area of Rocky Mountain National Park Have Been Lifted, Others Remain For the Protection of Nesting Birds of Prey

Each year to protect nesting raptors, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in areas of the park. To ensure that these birds of prey can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during nesting season and monitored by wildlife managers.

The following temporary closures have been lifted in the Lumpy Ridge area of RMNP: The Book, Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, Left Book, Thunder Buttress, The Needle, and The Parish. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Based on raptor monitoring, the following formations and access trails remain closed for the protection of nesting raptors: Rock One and Twin Owls. For more information and to see a map of closure areas, visit https://go.nps.gov/romo/raptorclosures

Nesting birds of prey include many species of hawks, Peregrine falcons, and Golden 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.



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• Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com

• Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com