Zion to close some cliffs to accommodate nesting falcons

ZION NATIONAL PARK — Climbing routes on cliffs used by nesting peregrine falcons at Zion National Park will be temporarily closed on March 1 to allow the birds, which were recently endangered species, to build nests.

The closing date is based on data collected from 2001-09 regarding the peregrines' arrival time to their nesting cliffs in the park.

The following cliffs will be closed to climbing beginning March 1: 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 reopened in May. Cliffs used by nesting peregrines this year will be monitored until the chicks fledge, usually in late July and then reopened.

For up-to-date information on the status and maps of the closed climbing cliffs and routes, go to: www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/climbing.htm.