Raptor Advisories

Prairie Falcon fledglings, flaring wings after first flight.

Photo by Gavin Emmons

Raptor Advisories Are In Effect For 2025

Breeding raptors have reoccupied their traditional territories. If you are considering climbing or hiking off-trail at Pinnacles, please look at our list of sensitive areas below, before you plan your trip. For more information on advisories at Pinnacles, please visit the Friends of Pinnacles and Mud N' Crud websites.

We thank climbers and hikers for their support of our efforts to protect the spectacular birds of prey at Pinnacles. For more information about raptors at the park, please refer to the Raptors page.

Updated 21 January 2025

The Raptor Advisory System has been in effect since 1988. We would like to thank you for your assistance in protecting these magnificent birds. By coming to Pinnacles and following these recommendations, you become a partner in managing the Park's resources. You are a vital component to the success of maintaining raptors. Without your cooperation, park staff could not protect the natural resources. You help make Pinnacles a special place.

Sensitive Areas
Please refrain from any rock climbing or off-trail activity within the boundaries of the following routes. Climbing routes are listed to provide orientation to sensitive areas and may not be all inclusive. Thank you for your cooperation in the Park's efforts to protect these magnificent Natural Resources. If you have any questions, please contact a Ranger or call Research and Resource Management (831-389-4486 x4279).

Balconies / Crowley Towers
Sensitive: All climbs on Balconies cliffs from Regular Route south to Happy Hamlin's, Balconies roof routes, Crowley Towers, The Stronghold
Okay: All Balconies climbs from Digger north to Knifeblade and Nexus, all routes at The Flumes, all climbs below Balconies Cliffs Trail including Osirus and Toogs, Smiling Simian, and Even Coyotes Do It Doggy Style

Machete Ridge
Sensitive: None
Okay: All routes

High Peaks:
Citadel
Sensitive: None
Okay: All routes
Egg
Sensitive: All routes on the Egg
Okay: All routes on Teapot Dome, Ball Pinnacle, Proclamation Pinnacle, Case Pinnacle, Arch Pinnacle, Wedge, The Owl, Hunky Dory Rock, Low Down Slab, E.T. Pinnacle
Hawkins Peak
Sensitive: Feather Canyon, Meanderthal, Rituals & Magic, Mama, Papa, and Baby Bear, Chuck, Carol, and Cuda Pinnacles, The Flakes, Where's Waldo
Okay: Tuff Dome, H&L Dome, Bynum's Spire, Spike's Peak, Big Step, The Lump, Dragonfly Dome, Smokestack, Sidehorse to Freedom Dome, The Sow, Piglet
Tunnel Trail and Central High Peaks
Sensitive: None
Okay: All routes

Resurrection Wall / Goat Rock
Sensitive: All routes on Goat Rock
Okay: All routes on Resurrection Wall including Eye Candy Crag, and all routes on Shaft, Numbskull Needle, and Western Front

Scout Peak:
Beak Peak
Sensitive: None
Okay: All routes
Generation Gap Pinnacle
Sensitive: None
Okay: All routes

Gargoyle Area
Sensitive: All routes on Gargoyle and Piedras Bonitas Cliffs
Okay: All routes on Outcast, Knuckle Ridge, and in Neglected Valley

Marmot / Yaks Area (Little Pinnacles)
Sensitive: All Yaks routes, plus Marauder
Okay: Marmot rocks (excluding Marauder), all Hanging Valley routes

Reservoir
Sensitive: All routes on The Hand and The Thumb
Okay: All routes on The Frog, Five Sisters, Upper Crust, Tiburcio's X, all climbs below reservoir

Pipsqueak Pinnacles
Sensitive: None
Okay: All routes

Updated 21 January 2025

 

Barn Owl nestlings, in cliff cavity nest

Photo by Gavin Emmons

Raptor Advisory Information
To maximize the potential of successful nest establishment, Pinnacles National Park requests that all visitors refrain from rock climbing and off-trail hiking in sensitive areas during the advisory periods.

These protective measures usually remain in effect until June or July. However, as nesting activity is monitored by Park staff, additional sensitive areas may be identified and listed. Some areas may also be opened. Please check with a ranger or carefully examine the Climbing Information Bulletin Board as you plan you climbing and hiking trips.

This advisory does not affect hiking along the Park's primary trail system. All designated trails will remain fully accessible by park visitors. Climbers should continue to use designated "Climber Access Routes" in all areas of the Park. Special care is requested for those areas most heavily impacted by climbing: Discovery Wall, Elephant Rock, Machete, Upper Crust, the Camel, and the Sisters.

Please remember that intentionally disturbing wildlife nesting, breeding, and other activities is a violation of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Section 2.2 (a) (2)). The Raptor Advisory System has been in effect since 1988. We would like to thank you for your assistance in protecting these magnificent birds. By coming to Pinnacles and following these recommendations, you become a partner in managing the Park's resources. You are a vital component to the success of maintaining raptors. Without your cooperation, park staff could not protect the natural resources. You help make Pinnacles a special place.