Zion National Park closing climbing routes for peregrine falcons

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Zion National Park officials have announced the annual closing of popular cliff climbing routes in the park to protect nesting peregrine falcons.

The closures, which begin March 1, include Angel's Landing, Cable Mountain, The Great Throne, Isaac in the Court of the Patriarchs, The Sentinel, Mountain of the Sun, North Twin Brother, Tunnel Wall, The East Temple, Mount Spry, The Streaks Wall, Mount Kinesava and the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek.

National Park Service biologists will monitor peregrine falcon nesting in the park and open climbing routes near unused nesting locations.

The re-openings usually happen in late April or early May. Routes closed as a result of nesting activity this year will open when the falcon chicks fledge in late July.

Visit the Zion National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm for information and updates on the closures.