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: OPEN

The Poptire nest was visited for the final check on May 29th, 2024 and we discovered that the nestlings (there are two!) are alive and close to fledging age (when they leave the nest and become free-flying birds). We recommend that the voluntary closure continue until the week of June 17th, 2024 to give these nestlings a chance to fledge. Thanks again for your interest and efforts in protecting this nest site!

Maple Canyon (Maple Canyon Road Climbing) Status: OPEN

We recommend that the voluntary closure continue until early July 2024 to give these nestlings a chance to fledge. Thanks again for your interest and efforts in protecting this nest site!

  • 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.

These closures typically last until late August. Visit the BLM or Friends of Indian Creek website for updated info

  • 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 (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • East Temple (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • Mount Spry (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • The Streaked Wall (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • The Sentinel (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • Mountain of the Sun (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • North Twin Brother (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • Cable Mountain (Re-opened 8/1/2024)

  • The Great White Throne (Re-opened 5/4/2024)

  • Isaac (in Court of the Patriarchs) (Re-opened 8/1/2024)

  • Tunnel Wall (Re-opened 7/18/24)

  • Mount Kinesava (Re-opened 8/1/2024)