Peregrine Closures Update

Note: This notice is revised since March 1, 2013 based on the current status of Peregrine Falcon nests.

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 slack-lining activities, until peregrine chicks have fledged and dispersed from those areas in 2013. 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, 2013 and remaining in effect until July 15, 2013, or until further notice:

• B.O.L.T. Wall – Immediately southwest of Leaning Tower. Closure includes all routes on the B.O.L.T. Wall.
• Medlicott Dome – East of Tenaya Lake. Closure includes all routes between and including “Shambles” to “Bogey Meets Mr. Porcupine”.
• Rhombus Wall – Above Ahwahnee Meadow. Closure includes all routes west of “Super Slide” to the Ahwahnee Ramps, including all routes on the Rhombus Wall.
• The Rostrum – Lower Merced Canyon. The entire rostrum formation is closed to all visitor use. “Super Nova” and the “Jungle Gym” area remain open.

Effective as of April 19, 2013:

• Arch Rock Area – Lower Merced Canyon. All routes above the main wall at Arch Rock, including Arch Rock Pinnacle and the top pitches of “Gripper” and “Nerf Test” above the walk off ledge are closed. The main wall, which includes all routes from “Dirty Little Secret” east to “Grokin”, plus “Juliette’s Flake”, “Extra Credit”, “Now”, “Omakara” and “Later” are open.
• El Capitan, Southwest Face – Closure includes all big wall routes between and including "Aquarian Wall" east to "Cosmos". The closure also includes the portion of the "Thanksgiving Ledge" between "Aquarian Wall" to "Cosmos". All other portions of the "Thanksgiving Ledge" and the first 10 pitches from the base of the closed routes remain open. The Salathe Wall remains open.
• El Capitan, Southeast Face – Closure includes all big wall routes between and including “Sea of Dreams” east to “Iron Hawk”. At the base, the first 4 pitches of all routes within this area remain open.
• Hetch Hetchy – Closed area includes Wapama Cliff (immediately west of Wapama Falls).
• Closures are lifted at Yosemite Point, Middle Cathedral, and Kolana Rock.

Nest sites will be monitored to provide current information on nesting status and to ensure prompt re-opening of these areas. Closures are subject to change based on current nesting status. Your cooperation in complying with these temporary restrictions is greatly appreciated.

The designation will remain in place until rescinded.