Temporary closures extended in Lumpy Ridge to protect nesting raptors in Rocky Mountain National Park; most closures lifted

Golden Eagle in flight; NPS photo

Due to golden eagle nesting activity, closures have been extended through August 15 at Sundance Buttress, Thunder Buttress and Needle Summit in the Lumpy Ridge area.  These closures include the named formations.  Closures include all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber access trails to the named rock formations.  All other closures have been lifted. Check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm for maps and updated information on raptor closures.    
 
Each year to protect raptor nesting sites, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in areas of the park. To ensure that these birds of prey can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during nesting season and monitored by wildlife managers. The closures began this year on February 15. Closures may be extended past July 31, or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity.  Some routes were reopened in mid-June.   
      
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 ROMO_Information@nps.gov.  
 
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. 
 
For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.