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