general climbing restrictions

This page is a climbing community collaboration and contains the most current closure and restriction information available to the Access Fund. If you have more recent information than is listed here or are concerned that a closure in your area is excessive or unwarranted, please email Charlie Boas, Grassroots Coordinator, at charlie@accessfund.org or call 303.545.6772 x 105.

Seasonal wildlife restrictions give our cliff wildlife the protection it needs at its most vulnerable time. With climbers' support, such arrangements demonstrate that climbing can coexist with wildlife protection efforts and helps to ensure future climbing access.

The climbing areas listed below have had seasonal restrictions in the past. Most of these are to protect cliff-nesting raptors during the Spring period. Where possible the latest information is given, but always check signs on site; birds shift nest sites, restrictions may be lifted early or removed entirely. If you need more information before visiting these areas check the website listed if available or call the land management agency contact.

Click here for more information on raptor closures:
Climbers and Raptors: How climbing restrictions are set up and managed

Alabama — Arkansas — Arizona — California — Colorado — Connecticut — Washington, D.C. — Delaware — Georgia — Iowa — Idaho — Illinois — Indiana — Kentucky — Massachusetts — Maryland — Maine — Minnesota — Missouri — Montana — North Carolina — New Hampshire — New Mexico — Nevada — New York — Ohio — Oklahoma — Oregon — Pennsylvania — Rhode Island — South Carolina — South Dakota — Tennessee — Texas — Utah — Virginia — Vermont — Washington — Wisconsin — West Virginia — Wyoming

Alabama

There are a number of climbing area closures in AL, most are located on private property. For a complete list, please visit: www.seclimbers.org

Arkansas

For closures and restriction in the state of Arkansas please visit the Arkansas Climbers' Coalition: http://www.arkansasclimbers.org/contact.htm

Arizona

City of Phoenix Parks

Camel's Head (The Neck Area — East side) Extends until May 31st. Routes affected include 'The Neck' and 'Line of Fire' Contact: Jeff Tippett, Chief Ranger Tel: 602.261.8318.

Cochise Stronghold

Rockfellow Dome Complex and Cochise Dome are closed to climbing from March 1st through June 30th . Climbing access is permitted for the "Squaretop Area" - both Squaretop and Lower Squaretop. http://www.climbaz.com/features/closures/stronghold_2008.html

Granite Mountain

Prescott National Forest: Climbing is prohibited on Granite Mountain, or within 100 ft. back from the edge, from Feb 1 — July 15th. Contact: Wildlife Biologist, Bradshaw Ranger District Tel: 928.443.8020.

Mount Lemmon

Peregrine restrictions: Some portions of Pusch Ridge Wilderness: January 1st thru April 30th Barnum Rock: February 1st thru August 31st. Rappel Rock, Raven Rock, the Fortress, Branching-Out Crag, and some routes on Panorama Wall: March 15th thru June 30th. Contact: Steve Romero, Wildlife Biologist, Santa Catalina Ranger District Tel: 520.749.8700.

Thumb Butte

Prescott National Forest. North and south climbing faces, the top of Thumb Butte, and the areas at the base of the faces are seasonally closed to climbing. Restriction extends from Feb 1st - July 15th. Contact: Wildlife Biologist, Bradshaw Ranger District Tel: 928.443.8020.

Virgin River Gorge

Effective Sept. 2007 through July 2008 the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADoT) has closed the Virgin River Gorge to parking due to road construction. Please stay tuned for updates. *UPDATE* The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has completed a bridge rehabilitation project on Arizona’s stretch of Interstate 15 (I-15) through the Virgin River Gorge. ALL RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN LIFTED. The $3.8-million project was necessary to bring the bridges in the Gorge up to current safety standards.

California

Area 13, Clarks Canyon

VOLUNTARY CLOSURE - Climbers are asked to refrain from climbing in the area called "Area 13" located in Clark Canyon, Eastern Sierra, CA until Aug 1, due to the discovery of nesting raptors on that cliff. Thank you for your support of the temporary and voluntary closure! Please direct any questions to the Eastern Sierra Climbers Coalition: info@climberscoalition.org

Cerro Romualdo

Closed to climbing

The National Guard blocked access to Cerro Romualdo, citing liability and soldier training. Local climbing activists are currently working to regain access.

Lost Rocks

Lost Rocks Access Alert! To ease access concerns, please enter Lost Rocks from the either the Flinthead Ridge walk-in campground area and use the trail there to reach the boulders or from the southern end at High Bluff. Both trails are off the Coastal Scenic Drive. North along the beach from the Flinthead Trail is private land and Yurok reservation land and is off limits to climbing. The Yurok are very much opposed to climbing on their ancestral lands in Redwood National Park/Lost Rocks. It is public land so if you do climb there please be very respectful and practice a leave no trace ethic!

Lover's Leap

SEASONAL CLOSURE - To protect nesting peregrine falcons, a portion of Lover's Leap in the Eldorado National Forest is closed from April 21 through September 30. The closure includes being upon or within 30 feet of the face of the Lover's Leap Rock, or within 30 feet of the top edge of Lover's Leap Rock, from the Bookmark route on the east to the Hourglass route on the west. For updates throughout the season or to learn more visit: www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/.

Natural Bridge

VOLUNTARY CLOSURE - Natural Bridge, outside of Hayfork in Trinity County, has been bolted but is highly important spiritually and culturally to the local Nor-Rel-Muk Wintu Nation there and the FS has deemed it eligible for the National Register of Historic places. It is also home to the Townsend’s big eared bat. For the last few years there has been almost 100% compliance regarding the voluntary closure. Please respect this voluntary closure.

Pinnacles National Monument

The Friends of Pinnacles has a comprehensive list of closures for Pinnacles National Monument on their website, including dates of closures and specific crags. Please visit: http://www.pinnacles.org/climbing_info/index.html#closures

San Diego

A number of climbing areas in the San Diego region have seasonal or pending closures, including ,but not limited to Magnolia, Deerhorn Valley, Mission Gorge Quarry, Eagle Peak, and Otay Crags. Please visit the Allied Climbers of San Diego for details: http://www.alliedclimbers.org/raptor_activity.php

Sequoia National Forest (Chimney Rock)

SEASONAL CLOSURE - The area within 1/4 mile of Chimney Rock on National Forest Land is closed for Peregrine Falcon nesting from March 15 to August 30. The closure may be lifted sooner than August 30th if possible. For more info contact: Jeff Cordes, Hume Lake Ranger District 559.338.2251 x 380.

Williamson Rock

Closed.

In order to protect critical habitat of the mountain yellow-legged frog, the U.S. Forest Service temporarily limited access to approximately 1,000 acres in the area north of the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2) in the vicinity of Cooper Canyon beginning Tuesday, December 27, 2005. This includes Williamson Rock. For more information please visit the Friends of Williamson Rock at:http://williamsonrock.org/

Yosemite National Park

For a complete list of closures at Yosemite National Park please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbingclosures.htm

Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

North Rim. Restriction in effect from March 15th until July 15th on Painted Wall, Serpent Point and Adjacent Wall.This includes the routes 'East Arete, Southern Arete, West Arete, Journey through Mirkwood, Forrest Walker, Stratosfear, The Dragon'. Contact: Myron Chase, Resource wildlife specialist, National Park Service Tel: 970.249.1914.

Boulder Canyon

The areas commonly known as “Eagle Rock,” “Blob Rock,” “Bitty Buttress,” and “Security Risk” will be closed to climbing and other access. Happy Hour, Bihedral, and Riviera remain open. Closures are effective from February 1 through July 31. Volunteers and Forest Service personnel will monitor the areas, and some areas may be reopened prior to July 31. For the most current closure information, check signs in the vicinity, or visit the Boulder Ranger District website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/rock-climbing/brd/index.shtml UPDATE: as of April 2008, the Security Risk area is now open.

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Annual Wildlife Climbing Closure Annual nesting and roosting of falcons in Eldorado Canyon State Park closes portions of the Redgarden Wall from February 1st through July 31st inclusive. Routes closed include The Naked Edge (last 3 pitches), The Diving Board, Centaur, Redguard (last 3 pitches), Red Ant, Semi-Wild, the last 3 pitches of Anthill Direct, and Sidetrack. To read more and view a photograph of the closed area visit: http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/EldoradoCanyon/Publications/

Flatirons

Rapture Closures are from 2/1 - 7/31 at the following areas: Sacred Cliffs, Skunk Canyon, North side of Fern Canyon, 3rd Flatiron, The Matron, Devil's Thumb Ridge, Mickey Mouse Wall/Industrial Wall, City of Boulder on Boulder Open Space closures can be found here: http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1158&Itemid=411#raptor Or visit the Flatirons Climbing Coiuncil at: http://www.flatironsclimbing.com/

Lumpy Ridge, Estes Park

The LUMPY RIDGE PARKING LOT is located about 1/2 mile east of the MacGregor Ranch Rd. (Still on Devils Gulch Rd. CR43) turn north on the new access road and go another 1/4 mile. It will be clearly signed, is newly paved, and has a new restroom. RAPTOR CLOSURES Twin Owls and Rock One are closed until the 8th of Aug. All other raptor closures have been lifted. Check the RMNP website at: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/area_closures.htm

Mary Jane Canyon

SEASONAL CLOSURE - To protect Peregrine Falcons and their cricical nesting habitat, the area approximately 1/2 mile in radius around the center of Mary Jane Canyon (in the Big Gypsum Valley) is closed to public entry from March 31 through July 31. The closure does not include access through county road 16Z. If you have any questions regarding the closure, please call Paul Morey, Wildlife Biologist Dolores Public Lands Office at 970/882-6853.

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

Rocky Mountain National Park News Release Kyle Patterson 970-586-1363 Temporary Closures to Protect Nesting Raptors in Rocky Mountain National Park Each year to protect raptor nesting sites, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the Lumpy Ridge and Sheep Mountain areas of the park. To enable wildlife managers to gather information and ensure that raptors can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during nesting season. All closures will go in to effect on March 1 and will continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date if determined necessary. [gsievers@estes.org] Closures include Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Alligator Rock, Sheep Mountain, Deer Ridge Buttress and Twin Owls, Rock One. These closures include the named formations as well as areas extending 100 yards in all directions from these formations. The perimeter around Alligator Rock extends for 200 yards in all directions. Check the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/area_closures.htm

Routt National Forest

SEASONAL CLOSURE for The Domes — Sarvis Creek Dome. Restriction extends from April 1st — July 31st. Contact: John Anagella, Ranger, Yampa Ranger District Tel: 970.638.4516.

San Isabel National Forest

Tanner Dome: April 1 through July 31 raptor closure. Area will be monitored and closure status may change prior to July 31. For more information, contact Ron Torretta, Wildlife Biologist at 719/269-8537.

South Platte

Jefferson County Open Space. Cathedral Spires (Cynical Pinnacle) and the Dome. Closure is in effect from March 1 to July 31. Please respect all private property in this area. Contact Colleen Gadd: 303/271-5925.

South Platte

East face of Kissing Camels/Tower of Babel Restriction in effect from March 1 — July 15. Contact: Bonnie Frum, Program Coordinator, Garden of the Gods Visitor Center Tel: 719.634.6666.

Sphinx Rock

Closed- Private.

Connecticut

For closures and restrictions in CT please visit the Ragged Mountain Foundation: www.raggedmtn.org/

Washington, D.C.

Metropolitan DC Area

For closures and restrictions in the Northern Virgina, Washington DC, and Maryland area please go to: http://www.dcmetroclimbing.com/

Delaware

Alapocas Woods- Climbers must obtain a climbing permit from the Wilmington State Parks office before climbing in Alapocas Woods. There is no fee for the permit. They can be contacted at the address and phone below: Wilmington State Parks 1021 West 18th Street Wilmington, DE 19802 (302) 577-7020 voice (302) 577-7084 fax

Georgia

There are a number of climbing area closures in Georgia. For a complete list, please visit: www.seclimbers.org

Iowa

Closed to climbing: Ledges State Park, Maquoketa State Park. For details of closures and restrictions in Iowa please visit the Iowa Climbers' Coalition at: http://www.geocities.com/iowaclimberscoalition/index.htm

Idaho

Black Cliffs

The Boise Climbers Alliance has posted buffer zone signs at the Black Cliffs to protect seasonal nesting raptors. The areas closed include: Car Body Canyon (Back of the Canyon only), Highway Face (all routes), Scary Canyon (all climbing), Nixon's Head (at the Dark Side) and the Iron Man Traverse. The closure remains in effect from February 28th until June 1st. Any questions or information regarding nesting raptors should be directed to Brian Fedigan at fedinidaho@hotmail.com Or visit: http://www.boiseclimbers.org/

City of Rocks

West face of Window Rock, West face of Nematode Restrictions in effect from April 15 — June 15. Contact: City of Rocks National Reserve, Climbing Ranger, Brad Shilling Tel: 208.824.5563.

Illinois

Closed to climbing: Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Kankakee State Park, Cave Hill, Garden of the Gods. For more information please visit the Illinios Climbers Association at: http://iclimb-ica.org/pages/index.html

Indiana

There are a number of closures in Indiana, including: Portland Arch, Shades State Park, French Park. Unless otherwise noted, climbing is not allowed in Indiana State Parks.

Kentucky

Red River Gorge

A complete guide to closures and restrictions can be found via the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition: www.rrgcc.org/closures.php

Massachusetts

Echo Bridge

Closed- Private Land. For more information about Masschusetts climbing areas, please visit: www.westernmacc.com

Maryland

Metropolitan DC Area

For closures and restrictions in the Northern Virgina, Washington DC, and Maryland area please go to:http://www.dcmetroclimbing.com/

Maine

Acadia National Park

The Precipice Wall, Beech Cliffs, Jordan Cliffs Restrictions in effect from March 15 — August 15. Contact: Acadia National Park visitor center Tel: 207.288.3338.

Minnesota

Tettegouche State Park

Restrictions vary each year since birds change nesting locations. Dates: from April 1st to July 15th. Closures are marked along the access routes on the cliff top. Contact Tettegouche State Park : Tel: 218.226.6365. Web: www.dnr.state.mn.us/parks_and_recreation/state_parks/tettegouche/sumrec.html

Missouri

There are a number of climbing area closures in MO. For more information, please visit: http://camm.mu.org

Montana

Southwest Montana

Fer details on Southwestern Montana closures and restrictions link here: http://montanaclimbers.org/index.html

North Carolina

Big Lost Cove Cliffs

The US Forest Service letter dated January 14th, 2008 states there were 13 known nesting pairs of falcons last season. At least seven of the sites successfully produced young, 5 did not. Dates of closure are until August 15th (or further notice). For more information contact the USFS Highlands Ranger District at (828) 526-3765. Or visit the Carolina Climbers Coalition at: http://www.carolinaclimbers.org/Main-Content/2008-Peregrine-Falcon-Closures.html

Devil's Courthouse

CLOSED – The Devil’s Courthouse, USNPS Blue Ridge Parkway, is closed for the protection of rare plants.

Eagle Cliff

All climbing routes at Eagle Cliff are closed for the protection of rare plants. For more information contact the USFS Appalachian Ranger District at (828) 682-6146.

Looking Glass Rock (North Face)

Moore's Wall

The north end of Moore’s Wall will be closed to all users from January 1st – August 31st or until further notice. This includes the following climbing routes: The Recommendation, Boogie Till Ya Puke, Bat Attack, Enduro Man Rides Again, Vascular Disaster, Reckless Abandon, Filet-O-Fish, Nevermore, Unnamed Corner, Roof Awakening, Fiddlers on the Roof, Juggernaut, Rastafari, Spice, Mighty Mouse, Shadowdance. Indian Head, Nicotine, Nutsweat, The Corner, Middle Road, Death Wish RAPTORS ARE HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO HUMAN DISTURBANCE. PLEASE ABIDE BY THIS SEASONAL CLOSURE. For more information please call (336) 593-8480.

Shortoff Mountain (Linville Gorge)

Table Rock (Linville Gorge)

TABLE ROCK IS OPEN. The closure at Table Rock, NC (in Linville Gorge) has been lifted. The falcons moved to NC Wall. NC Wall is closed between Tightrope and Bumblebee Buttress (including those routes). For more information contact the USFS Highlands Ranger District at (828) 526-3765. Or visit the Carolina Climbers Coalition at: http://www.carolinaclimbers.org/Main-Content/2008-Peregrine-Falcon-Closures.html

Whiterock Cliff

Whitesides Mountain

New Hampshire

The following NH areas are temporarily closed until August 1 (Some restrictions may be lifted early — always check on site): Cathedral Ledge (parts of upper left), Eagle Cliff (northern end), Holts Ledge, Painted Walls, Rattlesnake Mtn. (main cliff only), Square Ledge. For more information, contact Chris Martin, Senior Biologist, Audubon Society of New Hampshire at 603.224.9909.

New Mexico

Last Chance Canyon

Potential access issues in Guadalupe Ranger District. For more information please visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/lincoln/contact/index.shtml

Sandias Mountain

Restrictions affect The Shield and The Ramp, UNM Sprire Routes (The Needles), The Prow, Fletcher Trail and Movie Trail from March 1 — August 15. Contact: Beverly de Gruyter, Sandia Ranger District, Zone Biologist, Cibola National Forest Tel: 508.281.3304. Or visit NM-Crag at: http://www.nmcrag.org/

Nevada

Cave Rock

Cave Rock Closure Area of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit: Climbing prohibited “going into or being upon the Cave Rock Closure Area…For more info click here.

Las Vegas Region

For updates on climbing restrictions and closures in the Red Rocks and greater Las Vegas area, please visit: http://www.lvclc.org/

New York

Adirondacks

Currently all climbing routes are open and will be until next spring. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7870.html

Gunks

For news on closures and restrictions in the Gunks area, please visit the Gunks Climbers Coalition: http://gunksclimbers.org/news.shtml

Ohio

There are a number of closures and restrictions in Ohio. For a complete list, please visit: www.ohioclimbers.org

Oklahoma

Wichita Mountains

For further information on closures and restrictions in OK, please visit: www.wichitamountains.org/

Oregon

For a detailed and current listing of seasonal bird closures throughout oregon visit: www.climbsworegon.com seasonal_closures.htm.

Broughtons Bluffs

OPEN. For more info contact Kellie Rice at Stoneworks. 971.235.6169, kellie_rice@beaverton.k12.or.us or Tony Holmes at nwwilderness@aol.com.

Carver

OPEN but you need to go to the Portland Rock gym for a permit and pay a small fee ($8.00) beforehand. This area is on private property and it is a privilege to climb here.

Menagerie Wilderness Area

Due to the sensitivity of the area and the potential to disturb nesting peregrines, the Menagerie Wilderness Area will be closed until August 1st.

Rocky Butte

OPEN. For more info contact Kellie Rice at Stoneworks. 971.235.6169, kellie_rice@beaverton.k12.or.us or Tony Holmes at nwwilderness@aol.com.

Rogue River National Forest

Rabbit Ears contact Rogue River NF 541.560.3400; Mushroom Towers (Rattlesnake) contact Medford BLM 541.440.4930. Closure date: Jan 1 until 2 weeks after fledging, may be extended to July 31.

Smith Rock State Park

Closures are in effect from Feb. 1 through Aug. 1 in the Monument Area (all routes in this area) and Little Three Fingered Jack (all routes in this area) For further information, please call 541.548.7501.

Umpqua National Forest

Acker Rock, Eagle/Rattlesnake, Limpy Rock, Trail Creek Crags. Closure date: Jan.1 until 2 weeks following fledging, may be extended to July 31. Contact Terri Stone 541.672.6601; Honeycombs, Jurassic Park, Zen Spot (Callahans), Closure date: Mar.1 until 2 weeks after fledging. Contact Dave Peterson 541.957.3474. Climbers are helping the Forest Service monitor peregrine activity at Acker Rock. For more information contact Greg Orton at borton@wizzards.net

Willamette National Forest

Rabbit Ears (Menagerie), Wolf Creek, Shady Creek Spires. Closure date Jan. 1 until 2 weeks after fledging, may be extended to July 31. Contact Willamette NF.

Pennsylvania

Governor Stable

CLOSED-The lease agreement negotiated by the Pennsylvania Alliance of Climbers to this area has expired. At the request of the landowner the lease has not been renegotiated. Any questions should be addressed to info@paclimbers.org.

Safe Harbor and Bellefonte Quarry

Safe Harbor and Bellefonte Quarry are closed. Lancaster Climbing Club is working with the Lancaster County Park to get a climbing management plan in place and discourages climbing in Safe Harbor to help the effort.

Susquehannock Rock AKA Sex Wall

CLOSED

Rhode Island

Closed to climbing: Diamond Hill Park.

South Carolina

Closed to climbing:
Jones Gap State Park,
Caesar's Head State Park,
King Mtn. State Park.

South Dakota

For further information about closures and restrictions in SD, please visit: www.bhclimbers.com/

Tennessee

There are a number of climbing area closures in Tennessee. For a complete list, please visit: www.seclimbers.org

Texas

For further information about closures and restrictions in TX, please visit: www.texasclimbers.com/

Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

New Closure: Mushroon Boulder on North Mountain closed due to acheological site. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Toll Free: (800) 792-1112 Austin: (512) 389-4800

Utah

Arches National Park

CLIMBING CLOSURES - All rock climbing or similar activities on any arch or natural bridge named on the United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute topographical maps covering Arches National Park are prohibited.

Climbing closures also include Balanced Rock year-round, Bubo from January 1st to June 30th, and Industrial Disease on the Devil Dog Spire from January 1st to June 30th. As always, use of motorized drills is prohibited, and the use of chalk for climbing must be of a color which blends with the native rock.

In addition, slacklining in Arches National Park is prohibited. Slacklining is defined as walking on a rope or other line that is anchored between rock formations, trees, or any other natural features. Height of the rope above the ground is immaterial.

These closures are based upon a determination that such action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural resources and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.

Indian Creek

Public Service Cliff Closed to Protect Nesting Eagles The Bureau of Land Management has documented a pair of Golden eagles that are currently nesting within the Public Service climbing area. Eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Therefore, the entire portion of the Public Service climbing area is closed to climbing until August 31, 2008. Closure signs have been placed on the gate that leads into this area and all the kiosks along Indian Creek. If there are any questions, please contact Tammy Wallace - Wildlife Biologist for the BLM Monticello Field Office at 435-587-1527.

Snow Canyon State Park

The following West Canyon cliffs are closed to climbing from February 1 to June 1 to protect nesting raptors: Falcon Aerie and Wagassa. All routes in these locations are closed including Babes in Thailand, The Cheese Stands Alone, Fractured Rugosity, and Wagassa. Routes may reopen earlier than June 1 pending nesting status.

The following climbing areas are closed seasonally to protect desert tortoise populations and other protected wildlife species:

1) All Hackberry Wash Wall routes are closed March 15 through June 1.
2) All Johnson Canyon routes are closed from March 15 through October 31.
3) All Black Rocks routes are closed March 15 through June 30. Currently, all adjacent routes located at Chuckwalla and Cougar Cliffs will remain open during this period.

For more information, please contact park staff at (435) 628-2255 or snowcanyon@utah.gov.

Zion

SEASONAL CLOSURE - The following cliffs in Zion National Park will be closed to climbing beginning March 1, 2006 to protect nesting peregrine falcons: Mount Kinesava, Isaac (in Court of Patriarchs), Middle Fork of Taylor Canyon, tunnel west, and all routes BETWEEN the Northeast Buttress of Angel’s Landing AND Moonlight Buttress (Northeast Buttress-CLOSED; Moonlight Buttress-OPEN). Park bioligists will monitor nesting activity in the park throughout the 2006 breeding season. Climbing routes that were previously used for nesting by peregrines, but are not being used this year, have been re-opened in May. Cliffs used by nesting peregrines will be monitored until the chicks fledge, usually in late July, and then re-opened. For the most up-to-date information and to view maps of the closed cliffs, please visit the Zion webpage at: www.nps.gov/zion/Backcountry/Climbing.htm

Virginia

Closed to climbing:
Bull Run Mtn.

For other closures and restrictions in VA please visit: http://www.dcmetroclimbing.com/

Vermont

Bolton

Various crags in the Bolton area are owned by CRAG-VT and remain open. Others are private land and are closed. Seasonal rapture closures in Veromont also take place in the spring and summer, that information can be obtained through the CRAG-VT website. Please visit:http://www.cragvt.org

Milton- The Bear Trap

Closed - Private. For information visit:http://www.cragvt.org

Secret Squirrel

Closed- Private. For information visit:http://www.cragvt.org

St. Alban's Crag

Closed- Private. For information visit:http://www.cragvt.org

Washington

Beacon Rock State Park

Closure affects the south face of Beacon Rock and is in effect from February 1 — July 15. Park rangers are monitoring the area frequently during this nesting time. Contact: Ranger, State Park Manager Tel: 509.427.8265.

Horsethief Butte

(North of the Dalles): OPEN but no chalk is allowed here and no drilling of bolts. There have been a few bolts placed here with permission (apparently). This is a sacred Native American site.

Midnight and Noontime Rocks, Leavenworth

SEASONAL CLOSURE - Midnight and Noontime Rocks, in Tumwater Canyon, are closed to entry from April 1 to July 31, 2006 to protect nesting raptors. The closure area includes these rocks and the area immediately above and between them. Once nesting is confirmed, restrictions will be lifted on the rocks not being used. If you have any information regarding the raptor nest, questions, or comments, please contact the Leavenworth FS Ranger Station at (509) 548-6977.

Tieton River

Oakcreek Wildlife Area. Area-wide closures go into effect February 1 – April 1. Once it’s determined where raptors are nesting, site specific closures will be posted. Sites with active nesting will be closed through July 31. Contact: John Mcgowan, Area Manager Tel: 509.653.2390.

Wisconsin

Abelman's Gorge (aka Rock Springs Narrows)

Climbing at this state natural area is restricted. Please contact rhaodsclimbs@yahoo.com for more information.

Gibraltar Rock

Gibraltar Rock is currently closed to climbing and has been closed since 1997, despite the best efforts of Wisconsin Outdoor Access (WOA) and the AF. Please contact WOA at rhaodsclimbs@yahoo.com for up to date information

NEW!! Devil's Lake (Summer 2008)

As you may have heard the upper Midwest has taken quite a hit as far as flooding and heavy rains in the past few weeks. At one point, our main climbing area here, Devils Lake State Park was closed for more than a week due to high standing water at the North and South Shore park entrances, barring any entrance to the park or climbing access. The park has since opened, but there is extensive damage to the park facilities and the trails leading to the climbing areas. On July 26th, The Chicago Mountaineering Club along with the park management will sponsor a volunteer weekend to help clean up some of the damage and open up some more of the trails in the park.

West Virginia

Closed to climbing:
Caudey's Castle,
Baker's Rocks.

Nelson Rocks Preserve

Nelson Rocks Preserve has announced that it is closed to rock climbing until further notice.

New River Gorge

VOLUNTARY CLOSURE – Endless Wall. The National Park Service is monitoring Peregrine Falcons at the Endless Wall within the New River Gorge National River between February 13 and April 29. Additional information can be obtained at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, or by contacting Ken Stephens, Natural Resource Specialist, at 304-465-6531 or Lorrie Sprague, Public Affairs Specialist, 304-465-6521.

Wyoming

Devils Tower National Monument

March 6th, 2008 Devils Tower National Monument Climbing Route Closure to Protect Prairie Falcons. Effective May 5, the National Park Service opened Devils Tower West and North face climbing routes and summit edges, which were temporarily closed to protect prairie falcons (Falco mexicanus). Climbing routes on the South face are now closed to protect a pair of nesting prairie falcons. This closure is an annual event established under the monument's 1995 Climbing Management Plan with authority from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Separate from the falcon closure, Devils Tower National Monument has a voluntary climbing closure in effect for the month of June, out of respect for American Indian cultural traditions. For further information on the climbing closures please contact the monument’s chief of resource management, Jim Cheatham, at (307) 467-5283 ext 212.