Raptor Closures

NPS

Each year, Rocky Mountain National Park initiates adaptive, temporary closures in certain areas of the park to ensure birds of prey, also known as raptors, will be undisturbed during their roosting, breeding, and nesting seasons. Raptors are sensitive to human disturbance during these times and repeated breeding failures can reduce overall raptor species populations.

Temporary closures occur at known raptor roosting and nesting sites that are also near rock climbing routes, hiking trails, or other focused recreational use areas. Temporary closures also protect park visitors, as raptors may attack people to defend their nests.

 

All Raptor Closures Have Been Lifted for the 2024 Season

Each year, Rocky Mountain National Park initiates temporary closures in certain areas of the park to ensure that birds of prey will be undisturbed during their breeding and nesting seasons.

The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the general location to [e-mail].

The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park.

 

NPS

Why Do Raptor Closures Matter?

To balance raptor protection and human recreational activities, RMNP monitors raptors throughout the breeding and nesting season to inform the timing and extent of temporary closures:

• At nest sites where breeding activity is observed, closures remain in place and monitoring continues.
• At nest sites where no breeding activity is observed, closures may be lifted early.
• If evidence of nesting is found in a new location, a new temporary closure may be recommended depending on the risk of human disturbance to that nest.

Do your part to protect raptors. Recreate Responsibly and Respect Area Closures.

Areas not listed are presumed to be open.

• Closures include all climbing, approach, and descent routes for the indicated formation on all sides of those formations.

• Closure notices will also be posted at key access points in the park.

As breeding and nesting data are collected, additional closures may be lifted or extended.

When necessary, park rangers will issue citations to persons violating the terms of this closure under the authority of 36 CFR 1.5(f).

 

Bald Eagle Closures are in Effect November 15 through March 15

Closures are in effect on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park near the Colorado River annually from November 15 through March 15 for the protection of migrating Bald Eagles. Each winter, Bald Eagles return to a communal winter roost site near the Colorado River, on U.S. Forest Service land adjacent to the park. To limit disturbance, Rocky Mountain National Park closes portions of the East Shore trail, a stretch of the Colorado River, and Columbine Bay.

The Colorado River and a zone 300-yards wide on both sides of the river are closed to human entry during this time. Hiking on Ranger Meadows Loop trail, outside the closure, is permitted.

Closures are collaboratively managed by Rocky Mountain National Park and the U.S. Forest Service and will be lifted or extended as necessary.