ANNUAL RAPTOR CLOSURES

Every year, several local crags are closed to protect nesting raptors and other wildlife. This is generally from February 1 through July 31.  

The closures protect long-established raptor nesting territory, including vital alternate nest sites. Undisturbed access to multiple nest sites is important for birds of prey, especially early in the nesting season, to allow them to visit multiple nests during courtship and to select a site for the season free of human influence. Some crags are also closed each year to protect roosting bats. 

As climbers, we should see it as a privilege that we can share these few crags with our winged friends, and an honor to let them have solitude to reproduce. It is only for half the year and covers a small fraction of the nearby climbing terrain.

Do not climb on these formations during the closure period! Also, beware: These closures are actively monitored by land managers. Violating the closures not only breaches our responsibility as stewards, you very likely will get caught.  

As the season progresses and it is known which nesting sites are active, some of these formations are reopened to climbing before the deadline.

Looking for information on crags affected by closures in your favorite climbing areas? We’ve reorganized this page to make finding that info easier than before!