Zion 2010 Cliff Climbing Closures

2010 Cliff Climbing Closures
Date: February 17, 2010
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811
Contact: Claire Crow, 435-772-0212

Climbing routes on cliffs used by nesting peregrine falcons at Zion National Park will be temporarily closed on March 1, 2010, in order to protect the nesting success of this bird which is in recovery from “endangered species” status. The closing date is based on analysis of information collected from 2001-2009 regarding the peregrines’ arrival time to their nesting cliffs in the park.

The following cliffs will be closed to climbing beginning March 1, 2010: Mount Kinesava, Streaked Wall, Sentinel, Mountain of the Sun, Great White Throne (beyond single and double-pitched climbs), Cable Mountain, Isaac (in Court of the Patriarchs), North Twin Brother, Middle Fork of Taylor Creek, the northeast buttress of Angels Landing and Tunnel West. All other cliffs are open to climbing.

Park biologists will continue to monitor nesting activity of peregrine falcons in the park throughout the 2010 breeding season. Climbing routes that were previously used for nesting by peregrines, but are not being used this year, will be re-opened in May. Cliffs used by nesting peregrines this year will be monitored until the chicks fledge, usually in late July, and then reopened.

Zion National Park is home to a high concentration of breeding peregrine falcons each spring and summer. From the mid-1960’s through the 1990’s, these magnificent birds of prey were listed as an “endangered species” under the Endangered Species Act. Fortunately, peregrine populations have recovered across North America and the species was removed from the list in 1999. Zion National Park has been and continues to be an important sanctuary for peregrines and other species. Even when peregrine populations were plummeting elsewhere, peregrines have continued to successfully nest and raise their young on the tall cliffs found in many canyons in the park. Historically, Zion National Park has hosted 18 known territories used by breeding peregrine falcons. In some locations in the park, peregrine falcon nesting cliffs also host popular climbing routes.

For up-to-date information on the status and maps of the closed climbing cliffs and routes, please check the Zion National Park website at htp://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/climbing.htm. The website will be continuously updated as routes are reopened.