Climbing routes close to accommodate nesting falcons

Climbing closures in Zion National Park 2017

Several climbing routes located on cliffs that are used as nesting areas for peregrine falcons in Zion National Park, will be closed temporarily to avoid disturbance during the falcon's nesting season. Closures areas and dates are based off of an analysis of data collected during the nesting periods during 2001-17.

The following cliff closures will roll into effect on March 1st:

  • Angels Landing
  • Cable Mountain
  • The Great White Throne (beyond the single and double-pitched climbs)
  • Isaac (in Court of the Patriarchs)
  • The Sentinel
  • North Twin Brother
  • Mountain of the Sun
  • Tunnel Wall
  • The East Temple
  • Mount Spry
  • The Streaked Wall
  • Mount Kinesava
  • Middle Fork of Taylor Creek

All other cliffs will remain open to climbers.

Once nesting sites are determined for this breeding season, any cliffs that had been previously marked closed will reopen, typically by late April or early May. During the 2018 breeding season, park wildlife biologists will be monitoring the nesting activity closely until the chicks fledge, which usually occurs in late July, which will reopen the remainder of the cliff closures. 

After being placed on the endangered species list in 1970, Zion National Park has become an important sanctuary for peregrines as well as other wildlife species. A high concentration of falcons call Zion home during the breeding season in early spring and summer. 

Climbers are responsible for checking the maps of the closed climbing areas and should check the closures frequently as climbing sites begin to open again.


    View Climbing Route Maps

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