Peregrine Closure Update: 07/15/2015 (Lifted)

This post is for historic reference only. Please refer to the “Climbing Closures” for current status.

The Peregrine Falcon is a fully protected species in California and a special status species in Yosemite due to its sensitivity to disturbance during the nesting season. To protect this species, the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park is designating peregrine nesting cliffs as areas closed to visitor use, including climbing and slacklining activities, until peregrine chicks have fledged and dispersed from those areas in 2015. By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5(a) and Section (a)(1): The following areas are identified as cliffs closed to visitor use, including climbing activities, beginning March 1, 2015 and remaining in effect until July 15, 2015, or until further notice:

Effective as of June 16, 2015:

• Fairview Dome West Face – All routes between and including “Heart of Stone” to “Lucky Streaks” are closed. All other routes remain open. The Fairview Dome closure will remain in effect until August 15, 2015, or until further notice. The pair at Fairview Dome is nesting one month behind the typical nesting period.

Effective as of July 15, 2015:

• ALL Peregrine closures EXCEPT FAIRVIEW DOME are lifted, including Arch Rock Area, B.O.L.T. Wall, El Capitan Southwest Face, El Capitan Southeast Face, Half Dome NW Face, The Rostrum, Wapama Cliff, Rhombus Wall, Medlicott Dome, Middle Cathedral Rock, and Lost Arrow Spire.

Biologists are monitoring the remaining  nest site at Fairview Dome to gain current information on nesting status and to ensure prompt reopening of this area. Closures are subject to change based on current nesting status. Your cooperation in complying with these temporary restrictions is greatly appreciated.