Granite Mtn closed already??!!

I called down to the Prescott Ntl Forest office and asked when the climbing closure was happening. To my surprise she said it was already in effect! Does this seem way early this year? Anyone have any inside scoop?

http://www.fox11az.com/news/local/137596773.html

As tragic as that story is it happened in the Granite Dells not on Granite Mountain and my best guess is it has nothing to do with the closure of the latter, I could be wrong though.

Granite Mountain usually gets closed down for Peregrine Falcon nesting as early as Feb so this would seem early. Maybe the moderate temps we are experiencing has them shacking up early. Again just a guess.

Hey Angela... Yeah Granite is often closed this time of year... the bilogists monitor the cliff and close it down when the falcons start to court ( diving displays )....can in Jan or Feb.... then it opens when it can be hotter than hell on the south facing granite....
Embrace the fall n winter....
Peregrines were there long before us....

cheers... lou

Omgosh! that is so sad. Condolences to the friends and family

also thank you chris and lou for the info

LIES!!!

First, my condolences to the loved ones of Sean Hennelly. This sounds awful, it really is terrible when some one dies at such a young age.

Secondly, the person you spoke to was wrong the official closure date as posted by the forest service is February 1st to July 15. I am trying to get up there before it closes as well, you got me worried so I called just now and the rep confirmed these dates. If you need a partner hit me up.