Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Temporary Closures in Effect at Lumpy Ridge to Protect Nesting Raptors in Rocky Mountain National Park

Each year to protect nesting raptors like Golden eagles and Peregrine falcons, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures. This project is made possible by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. To ensure that birds of prey can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during the nesting season and monitored by National Park Service wildlife managers. Raptor closures are in effect and will remain in place through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity.

In the Lumpy Ridge area of RMNP (located on the east side of the park near the town of Estes Park), formations that are closed to all uses include: The Book, Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, Left Book, Twin Owls, Rock One, Thunder Buttress, The Needle, and The Parish. Closures include the named rock formations on all sides, as well as trails around the base of all formations, all climbing routes, outcropping, cliffs, faces, ascent routes, descent routes.

The same areas that appeal to climbers, trail runners, hikers and boulderers also appear to nesting birds of prey. Other access trails near the above-named formations remain open to hikers and climbers. However, if human activity on an open trail impacts breeding activity, these routes may be subject to closure. All raptor closures will be monitored in spring and early summer 2026. If active nesting activity is taking place, raptor closures can be extended as needed.

Visit Rocky Mountain National Park’s website at https://go.nps.gov/romo/raptorclosures for maps and updated information.

The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If visitors in RMNP experience aggressive behavior from birds of prey, have questions about closures, or want to be involved in raptor monitoring, please email us at romo_information@nps.gov.

The cooperation of park visitors continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.



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