Colorado Closures
Submitted By: John McNamee on Feb 13, 2007
It is that time of year again when many crags start to close for raptor nesting...
I'll try to get the database updated over the next couple of days, but in the meantime please remember to check with the Access Fund prior to planning that big day out.
Boulder Canyon
January 31, 2007 - Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, and Security Risk (both Upper and Lower) will be seasonally closed to climbing and other activities beginning February 1, 2007 for golden eagle nesting. Happy Hour, Riviera, and Bihedral remain open. These areas are located along State Highway 119 and within approximately one and one-half miles east of Boulder Falls. Closures extend through July 31, with the possibility for an earlier opening date at the discretion of the Forest Service based on golden eagle activity. For the most current closure information check signs in the closure vicinity or visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/recreation/rock-climbing/brd/in>>>>>
Flatirons and vicinity (City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks)
To protect nesting and roosting sites of eagles, falcons, and osprey, some Open Space and Mountain Parks areas are seasonally closed each year to all users. All closures extend through July 31, 2006. Closures include Ridge 2 and all areas west, Sacred Cliffs, the entire Third Flatiron, North side of Fern Canyon, East and West Ironing Boards, The Fin, Green Thumb, Jaws, The Matron, Entire Devil's Thumb Ridge (The Maiden remains open with access from the EAST side only), Mickey Mouse Wall, Lefthand Canyon Palisades, Bear Creek Spire, Mt. Sanitas Ridge (1st buttress only), Kolb Property, and Coal Creek. For closure details or more information contact Open Space and Mountain Parks at 303-441-3440 or on the web at http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/index.php?option=com_content&tas>>>>>.
If anyone knows of any other closures please post it up. Thanks.
Comments on Colorado Closures
By Rich Servantes III
From: Boulder Beeeeotch
Feb 13, 2007
| Cathedral Spires Area: including The Dome, Cynical Pinacle, Poe Buttress, Sunshine Wall.
Closed for raptor nesting from March 1st to July 31st. |
By Roger Linfield
Feb 21, 2007
| The Cathedral Spires closure usually starts on March 1. Is it different this year? It's always difficult to get exact information on the closed areas here. The Dome, The Bishop, and Cynical Pinnacle are definitely closed, but I've never been able to get a definite answer about Poe Buttress or Sunshine Wall. In fact, it's not clear to me who the agency/owner responsible for the closure is. Inquiries about this topic to Jefferson County Open Space have gone unanswered, perhaps due to the messy mix of ownership of this area (Jefferson County Open Space, Denver Water, and an out-of-state private landowner). |
By Mark Nelson
From: Coniferous, CO
Feb 21, 2007
| Roger, right now the entire area does get closed 3/1 to 7/31. It's not as unclear as it used to be. Jeffco OS will be putting forth a Park Mgt Plan, the main areas they have within the park are the Dome, Sunshine, & CP (which is not to say other formations are also a part - these are just the main ones). The access to the Dome & Bishop, & the Bishop itself are private; Jeffco has been talking with the owner about the park plans.
As well, Jeffco has been working on an easement from Dvr Water which leads to Sunshine & the CP.
Depending on how these agreements work will determine trails & access for their mgt personnel; staff including: trails and wildlife who will then effect the closures and openings. What has been determined is that there has been active nestings occurring on the Sunshine & CP.
Inquiries have gone unanswered because they are being addressed. The final Climbing Guidelines do offer some definition, but they are being addressed more actively than the Guidelines indicate. It will take time to design, finance, & put forth the entire Spires PMP, but I think the PMP will be good once it is all said and done. Considering Clear Creek Canyon is #1 on the list for Jeffco OS (of which CDOT also has a mandate for rockfall mitigation), we should expect blanket closure to continue at the Spires.
Here's the Climbing site (which has a link to the Guidelines):
Jeffco OS Climbing |
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