Falcons leave nest, opening rock climbs in Indian Creek near Monticello
(Rick Egan | Tribune file photo) Climbers make their way up a rock face at Indian Creek in southern Utah in December 2016.
Monticello • Federal officials say rock climbers are now free to enjoy an area near Monticello where raptors historically have nested.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management had asked climbers in February to voluntarily avoid some walls within the Indian Creek corridor.
Wildlife biologists say peregrine falcons, eagles and other birds rely on the area to lay their eggs and raise their young.
The BLM had cleared several walls for climbing earlier this year after finding no nests there.
It said Tuesday the entire area is open for fall climbing since two peregrine falcons have left a nest.
The agency says Indian Creek draws climbers who want to practice their technique on cracks that split the face of a rock.
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