Temporary Closures Extended to Protect Nesting

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Each year to protect raptor nesting sites, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the Lumpy Ridge and Sheep Mountain areas of the park. To enable wildlife managers to gather information and ensure that raptors can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during nesting season.

The following sites have been extended – Alligator Rock, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Sheep Mountain and Twin Owls, Rock One.   These closures include the named formations as well as areas extending 100 yards in all directions from these formations. The perimeter around Alligator Rock extends for 200 yards in all directions. Closures include all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber access trails to the named rock formations. Closure maps and notices can be found at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/area_closures.htm.

The following closures have been lifted – Deer Ridge Buttress, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Checkerboard Rock and Lightning Rock. The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. The same cliffs that attract raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals is essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.