Starting Thursday, visitors at Pinnacles National Monument are
asked to refrain from rock climbing and off-trail hiking in
identified areas due to nesting season. The advisory will be in
effect until June or July.
Starting Thursday, visitors at Pinnacles National Monument are asked to refrain from rock climbing and off-trail hiking in identified areas due to nesting season. The advisory will be in effect until June or July.
This advisory does not affect hiking along the Monument’s primary trail system. All designated trails will remain fully accessible by park visitors. Climbers should continue to use designated “Climber Access Routes” in all areas of the Monument. Special care is requested for those areas most heavily impacted by climbing and hiking: Discovery Wall, Elephant Rock, Machete, Upper Crust, the Camel, the Sisters, High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, Little Pinnacles, Goat Rock, Gargoyle/Piedras Bonitas and the Scout Peak Area.
The advisory is part of annual measures to maximize the potential of successful nest establishment and to protect nesting raptors, or predators, at the Monument.
Last year, nine pairs of prairie falcons produced a total of 30 young birds, according to Cicely Muldoon, park superintendent. Also, there was successful nesting by American Kestrels, Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks and Golden Eagles. None of the birds are on an endangered species list, she said.
“Last year was a pretty successful year,” Muldoon said. “Because they’re raptors, at the top of the food chain, there’s less of them.”
Park rangers remind climbers and hikers that intentionally disturbing wildlife nesting, breeding and other activities is a violation of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Raptor Advisory System has been in effect since 1988.
“We are asking people to voluntarily refrain from these areas. Climbers are pretty good at staying away,” Muldoon said.
Although the weather is still cool, rock-climbing season has already started, she said.
Because nesting routines may change, visitors are asked to check in for updated information at the Visitor’s Center and at the Climbing Information Bulletin Board.
For maps of sensitive areas and other information visit www.nps.org/pinn or call 831-389-4485, ext. 0.
