To protect cliff nesting birds of prey, the Roosevelt National Forest is implementing annual closures in several popular recreation areas within the Boulder and Canyon Lakes Ranger Districts starting on February 1, 2026.
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An empty raptor nest at the end of the season.
FORT COLLINS — To protect cliff nesting birds of prey, the Roosevelt National Forest is implementing annual closures in several popular recreation areas within the Boulder and Canyon Lakes Ranger Districts starting on February 1, 2026.
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding season and these temporary closures help them select a nesting site without human influence.
In the Boulder Ranger District, the closures include popular rock climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, Black Widow Slab and Vampire Rock in Boulder Canyon. The closures for Black Widow Slab and Vampire Rock will begin March 1, 2026.
These areas are located along Colorado Highway 119, approximately 1.5 miles east of Boulder Falls. Effective through July 31, 2026, the closures protect long-established cliff nesting raptor territories.
In the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, the closure areas include Triple Tier, south of Highway 14 and Grazing Allotment Crag, northwest of Prairie Divide Road; which will close starting February 1. Boston Peak, north of Highway 14 and Mt. Olympus, southeast of Highway 34 will close on March 1, 2026.
Federal and state laws prohibit disturbing any birds of prey that are nesting. Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting all closures. The Roosevelt National Forest works closely with partners like Boulder Climbing Community and the Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition to monitor nesting progress and inform climbers about the importance of giving raptors space to raise their young. Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas.
Additional closure information for each district is available on our website, www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp.
