Climbing routes on cliffs used by nesting peregrine falcons in Zion National Park are temporarily closed from March 1 through mid-to-late summer. As of March 1, 2026, all listed climbing areas are closed to protect the species during nesting season.
The following climbing areas are currently subject to closures: Cable Mountain, Isaac in Court of the Patriarchs, Mount Kinesava, Tunnel Wall, The Streaked Wall, The Sentinel, Mount Spry, East Temple, Mountain of the Sun, North Twin Brother, The Great White Throne, and Angels Landing climbing routes.
At Angels Landing, both peregrine falcon and condor closures are in effect. Protecting these areas is vital because falcons are sensitive to disturbances that could cause them to abandon nesting sites. For California condors, a federally endangered species, closures prevent parents from abandoning eggs or chicks from becoming habituated to human activity.
The population of California condors in Utah and Arizona consists of fewer than 100 individuals.
The National Park Service determines closure dates based on monitoring the arrival of peregrines to nesting sites. While park biologists and volunteers previously worked to open cliffs throughout the season, park staff will no longer perform intensive monitoring due to emerging wildlife conservation needs.
Instead, for the 2025 climbing season, the reopening of cliffs prior to the August 1st deadline will rely on climber reports of falcon sightings submitted to the Zion Climbing Coalition. These submissions help wildlife staff confirm nest locations and potentially lift closures.
All peregrine falcon closures are scheduled to be lifted on August 1st. Climbers can refer to the seasonal climbing guide for details on how to report peregrine observations, particularly birds showing potential nesting behavior.
